Things are escalating quickly across the Gulf region. If you live or work in Saudi Arabia, or have family there, you already know the tension is palpable. The Indian government just issued a direct advisory telling its nationals to stay alert, stay indoors when necessary, and stick strictly to official local channels.
This isn't just routine diplomatic boilerplate. It comes right on the heels of major security breaches and drone attacks targeting civilian infrastructure, including airports in Riyadh and Abha. Commercial aviation between India and the Gulf has already taken a massive hit, leaving travelers stranded and airlines scrambling.
Let's break down what's actually happening on the ground and what you need to know if you're trying to navigate this situation right now.
What Triggered the New Advisory
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh dropped the advisory after a sharp spike in hostilities involving the Iran-backed Houthi group. Over recent weeks, the group has stepped up attacks targeting Saudi border regions, critical energy facilities, and civilian airports using armed drones and missiles.
The human cost has spiked sharply. Recent attacks on Abha International Airport left two people dead and 28 injured. Meanwhile, a separate strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries.
India responded swiftly, condemning the attacks on civilian infrastructure as completely unacceptable. For the millions of Indian expats living in the Kingdom, the security calculus has shifted overnight. Staying safe now means keeping a low profile and tuning into official updates instead of scrolling through unverified social media clips.
Flight Cancellations and Travel Chaos
If you have a flight booked between India and Saudi Arabia this week, your plans are likely up in the air—literally. Major carriers have suspended operations as safety assessments prompt immediate groundings.
Air India and Air India Express canceled their Riyadh services through October 10, 2026. Akasa Air also axed its Kochi-Riyadh and Riyadh-Kochi rotations.
Airlines are scrambling to manage the fallout. Air India Express confirmed that affected passengers are getting full refunds or complimentary rescheduling options. Flight AI2243 from Delhi to Riyadh had to turn around mid-air and return to the Indian capital before being grounded.
If you're stuck at an airport or trying to rebook, expect severe backlogs. Airlines are prioritizing safety over schedules, and regional airspace restrictions remain fluid.
Staying Safe on the Ground
If you are currently in Saudi Arabia, panic won't help, but hyper-vigilance will. The Indian mission has laid out clear directives to keep you out of harm's way.
First, stay indoors as much as possible, especially during high-alert windows. Avoid crowded public spaces and non-essential travel near sensitive infrastructure or border zones.
Second, ignore the noise online. The embassy explicitly warned nationals against circulating or reposting unverified videos or news clips regarding the ongoing events. Misinformation spreads fast during active conflicts, and sharing unverified footage can land you in legal trouble locally.
Third, keep your emergency contacts handy. The 24/7 helpline of the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra remains active at the toll-free number 8002471234. Make sure your passport, residency permits, and emergency numbers are easily accessible in case you need to move quickly.
The diplomatic mission in Riyadh and the consulate in Jeddah are functioning normally, but local authorities are cracking down on security protocols. Follow the official social media handles of the embassy for real-time updates and obey local security instructions without hesitation.
