The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has advised Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain alert, stay indoors as necessary, and follow instructions issued by local authorities. This comes after Houthi attacks on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which resulted in three deaths and 36 injuries. The advisory was issued on October 8, 2026.
The attacks on the two Saudi airports took place separately on October 6 and 7. According to the Kingdom's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), two people were killed and 28 injured at Abha Airport, while one person was killed and eight injured in the strike at King Khalid International Airport. The injured were taken to hospitals for medical treatment, while authorities assessed the damage and checked the safety of the facilities.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh also noted that the Indian mission in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah, along with their VFS services, continue to operate normally and will provide further updates as required. The 24x7 helpline of Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK) remains available on Toll free No: 8002471234. Indian nationals are strongly advised to refrain from circulating or reposting any videos or news related to the ongoing events.
India has condemned the attacks on the two Saudi airports and called the targeting of civilian infrastructure "completely unacceptable". In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "The targeting of civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable." India expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
The Ministry of External Affairs also expressed India's solidarity with Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom's authorities reported damage from falling debris in Riyadh following the interception of a ballistic missile. According to the General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defence, falling debris from a ballistic missile intercepted and destroyed in the city caused material damage to a kindergarten and a medical clinic complex.
Saudi-led coalition forces said they had destroyed 82 military targets belonging to the Houthi militia in Yemen. In a release on Wednesday, Coalition Forces spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki said the attacks on civilian targets would not go unpunished. The evolving security situation has also affected air travel, with Air India Express cancelling flights to and from Riyadh until October 10.
The Indian Embassy has asked Indian nationals in the Kingdom to remain vigilant and comply with instructions issued through official Saudi channels. The situation remains volatile, and further updates will be provided as necessary. Indian nationals are advised to stay informed and follow local news and instructions from authorities.
Key points
- - Indian Embassy advises nationals to stay indoors after Houthi attacks on Saudi airports - Three people killed, 36 injured in attacks on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport - India condemns attacks, expresses solidarity with Saudi Arabia
