Two Indians Remain in Intensive Care Following Riyadh Airport Attack, Embassy Says
RIYADH — Two Indian nationals injured in the October 10 attack on Riyadh’s international airport remain in intensive care, while several others continue receiving hospital treatment, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said Friday.
According to the embassy, one additional Indian national is being treated in a high-dependency unit, while three others are recovering in a general hospital ward.
The update was included in a new advisory addressing the security situation and ongoing disruptions to air travel in Saudi Arabia.
The embassy said Riyadh’s international airport remains closed to flight operations, while airports in Dammam, Jeddah and Medina continue operating with some disruptions.
“In view of the prevailing situation, Indian nationals should continue following instructions by local authorities, stay indoors in case of aerial attack, and refrain from filming, publishing, or sharing any information, photos, or videos related to the ongoing events,” the advisory stated.
Several Indian airlines have extended their suspension of flights to and from Saudi Arabia.
Air India and Air India Express have suspended services on all Saudi routes through October 20, while IndiGo has extended its suspension through October 24. Akasa Air has canceled flights to Riyadh through October 24 and to Jeddah through October 21.
Meanwhile, Saudi carriers continue operating select international routes. Saudia is maintaining scheduled flights to Indian destinations from Dammam, Jeddah and Medina, while Flynas is operating services between Dammam and Lucknow.
Flyadeal has also announced plans to operate flights between Dammam and Mumbai on October 17 and 18.
The embassy advised Indian nationals seeking urgent departure from Saudi Arabia to consider traveling through Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar, provided they meet the applicable visa requirements.
“Indian nationals planning to travel to Saudi Arabia, including for Umrah, are advised to take into account the ongoing disruptions at Saudi airports and the possibility of flight cancellations, which may result in extended stays,” the advisory said.
India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Vipul, addressed the Indian community in a video message Thursday, reaffirming India’s condemnation of attacks targeting civilian facilities and infrastructure.
The ambassador said the embassy had established emergency helplines to assist Umrah pilgrims affected by travel disruptions and urged Indian citizens planning trips to Saudi Arabia to remain aware of possible cancellations and delays.
“In the current situation, all of us have to remain calm and alert. Especially in case of an aerial attack, we have to remain indoors,” Vipul said.
He also warned that photographing or sharing videos of attacks could violate Saudi laws and create legal difficulties for those involved.
The embassy urged Indian nationals to remain vigilant, follow local authorities’ instructions and monitor official travel advisories as the security situation develops. (Source: IANS)
