Indian Embassy Issues Fresh Saudi Advisory as Flights Halted Till October 17 Amid Houthi Attacks

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has issued a fresh advisory as Houthi attacks disrupt Saudi Arabia’s airports, raise security concerns around Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and strain the kingdom’s air defences. Several Indian airlines have suspended select Saudi routes until October 17, while Saudi authorities have waived overstay fines for eligible Indians stranded by flight cancellations.

The October 10 attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport killed Indian national Mohammed Yousef Ali and injured several others. Ali was laid to rest on October 12, with the Indian ambassador and embassy officials attending his funeral. The embassy urged Indians to remain vigilant, follow Saudi authorities’ instructions, stay indoors during aerial attacks and avoid circulating related videos or news. Officials are visiting injured Indians and assisting their families. Four injured Indians remain in intensive care, while others are receiving treatment in regular hospital wards and some have been discharged, according to the advisory.

Air India and Air India Express have suspended flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until October 17. Akasa Air has halted services to Riyadh and Jeddah, while IndiGo has suspended select routes connecting Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Medina. Operations at King Khalid International Airport remain suspended, although other major Saudi airports continue operating amid disruptions. Passengers should check with airlines before travelling. Emergency departures through Qatar and Bahrain may be explored, subject to visa requirements and availability.

Indians holding visit, tourist, Umrah or business visas can leave without overstay fines if flight unavailability extended their stay. The embassy and Jeddah consulate continue functioning, supported by VFS services and a 24-hour control room.

According to The Wall Street Journal, MBS is reportedly being moved between heavily guarded palaces equipped with bunkers, accompanied by a handpicked security team. He had reportedly not appeared publicly for nearly a week as of October 13.

Saudi Arabia spent approximately $83 billion on defence and operates F-15 fighter jets, Eurofighter Typhoons, Patriot and THAAD systems, alongside around 250,000 active-duty troops. However, its territory of roughly 2.15 million square kilometres, reported interceptor shortages and the Houthis’ drones, cruise missiles and ballistic weapons complicate its defences. Iranian support has helped the group expand its arsenal, while coordinated attacks can challenge interception systems. Saudi Arabia is reportedly seeking additional air-defence support from France, Britain, Pakistan and Egypt.

Saudi authorities reported 20 deaths and 356 injuries in airport attacks between October 6 and 11. The Houthis’ repeated targeting of airports and threats against energy infrastructure could undermine investor confidence, disrupt tourism and increase security costs for MBS’s Vision 2030 economic diversification programme. The group seized Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, in 2014, prompting Saudi Arabia to lead a military intervention in 2015.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran is seriously pursuing diplomacy to advance national interests and end US and Western sanctions. However, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed they struck a supertanker in the Strait of Hormuz on October 12 after it allegedly ignored warnings. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency also reported four vessel incidents the previous day.