A high-level security advisory has been issued for the Indian community in Saudi Arabia following missile strikes targeting two major civil aviation hubs in the kingdom. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has directed its nationals to exercise extreme caution, restrict non-essential movement, and remain indoors as situational developments demand. The advisory comes in the wake of cross-border attacks directed against Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Indian residents have been strictly urged to comply with all civil protection guidelines and protocols established by local authorities.
Strict Warning Against Sharing Visuals on Social Media
In its formal advisory, the Indian diplomatic mission specifically appealed to Indian expatriates to refrain from circulating, uploading, or reposting video clips and unverified reports related to the security incidents on social media platforms. Emphasizing the sensitivity of the unfolding developments, the embassy noted that circulating unverified material risks generating public panic and misinformation. Citizens have been asked to place their trust exclusively in updates verified and released through official administrative and diplomatic channels.
The mission confirmed that frontline consular services remain fully operational despite the ongoing regional tensions. Both the embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah continue their regular operations without disruption. Furthermore, outsourced visa and consular processing through VFS centers continues uninterrupted across designated hubs. Indian nationals requiring urgent guidance can reach out around the clock via the PBSK helpline at 8002471234. The embassy reiterated that supplementary updates and advisories will be published as the evolving situation requires.
India Condemns Assault on Civilian Infrastructure
The Government of India registered strong condemnation regarding the attacks launched on the commercial airports. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that strikes on civilian transit hubs like Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh resulted in tragic civilian casualties and injuries. The ministry affirmed that targeting civil infrastructure is completely unacceptable under established global conventions and norms.
Expressing deep grief, the MEA extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the explosions and wished a full and swift recovery to those injured. Reaffirming diplomatic ties, the Indian government expressed full solidarity with the leadership and people of Saudi Arabia as they address threats to civilian safety.
Three Dead and 36 Injured Across Two Separate Incidents
According to comprehensive data released by Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation, known as GACA, the strikes on the two commercial aviation facilities occurred on consecutive days. The initial strike struck Abha International Airport on October 6, resulting in two fatalities and leaving 28 people injured. The subsequent attack targeted King Khalid International Airport in the capital city of Riyadh on October 7, claiming one civilian life and injuring 8 individuals.
Altogether, the aviation authority verified that three people lost their lives and 36 suffered injuries across both attacks. The injured were transported to specialized medical centers for urgent trauma treatment. Operational teams and civil aviation authorities continue to monitor passenger safety standards across regional flight routes.
Falling Interceptor Debris Damaged Kindergarten and Clinic
Saudi civil defense authorities stated that air defense units intercepted a ballistic missile fired toward Riyadh, neutralizing it mid-flight before it could impact its primary coordinates. However, the resulting fragmented debris rained down across residential zones below. This falling wreckage caused physical structural damage to a local kindergarten facility and an adjacent healthcare clinic compound.
Civil defense teams identified the projectile as an attack launched by the Houthi militia. Specialized emergency teams deployed to the impact perimeter immediately following the interception to assess the extent of property damage, secure the area, and ensure that no lingering hazards endangered neighborhood residents.
Coalition Carries Out Retaliatory Strikes on 82 Houthi Positions
In swift military response to the airport bombardments, the Saudi-led coalition initiated extensive air operations across multiple sectors in Yemen targeting the Houthi militia. Coalition commanders affirmed that hostile attacks on sovereign civilian infrastructure would not go unanswered.
Coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Malki declared that militia actions deliberately endangering civilians and public facilities would face decisive operational consequences. Detailing the countermeasures, he confirmed that coalition joint air forces neutralized 82 Houthi military targets distributed across four key Yemeni governorates: Saada, Al Hudaydah, Al Jawf, and Marib. These targets encompassed command facilities, missile launch sites, and storage depots.
Air India Express Suspends Riyadh Flights Through October 10
The deteriorating security landscape and operational uncertainties have directly disrupted commercial aviation operations in the region. Prioritizing flight safety, Air India Express announced the temporary suspension of all its flights operating to and from Riyadh through October 10.
A spokesperson for Air India Express confirmed that the decision was taken following a comprehensive review of operational risks in the area. To alleviate disruptions for booked passengers, the airline is offering full refunds on cancellations and complimentary rescheduling options without additional fees or date-change penalties. The carrier stated that it continues to track security evaluations in close coordination with aviation regulators before resuming regular schedules.
