Riyadh Airport Attack: Two Indians Still in ICU, Flights Suspended
Two Indians remain in ICU after the Riyadh airport attack. Check flight suspensions and Embassy advisories for Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia.
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has provided a sobering update regarding the condition of Indian nationals injured during the October 10 attack targeting the Riyadh airport. According to a fresh advisory issued on Friday, two Indian citizens remain in critical condition and are currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Casualty Status and Medical Updates
Beyond those in the ICU, the Embassy reported that another Indian national is being treated in the High Dependency Unit (HDU). Additionally, three other injured Indians are recovering in a general ward. The medical status of these citizens remains a primary concern as the region deals with the aftermath of the assault.
Air Travel Chaos: Which Flights are Cancelled?
The attack has severely crippled air connectivity to the Saudi capital. The Indian Embassy confirmed that Riyadh's international airport remains closed to all flight operations. This has forced major Indian carriers to extend their flight suspensions:
- Air India and Air India Express: All routes suspended until October 20.
- IndiGo: Services halted until October 24.
- Akasa Air: Flights to Riyadh suspended until October 24, and flights to Jeddah suspended until October 21.
Despite the closure in Riyadh, other Saudi airports including Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina remain operational, although some disruptions are still being reported. Saudia continues its scheduled flights to Indian destinations from these three cities. Additionally, Flynas is operating the Dammam-Lucknow sector, and Flyadeal has announced Dammam-Mumbai flights for October 17-18.
Emergency Travel Advice for Indians
For those Indian nationals who need to depart Saudi Arabia urgently, the Embassy has suggested exploring transit routes through Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar, provided they can obtain the necessary visas.
The advisory also serves as a warning to prospective travelers, including those planning Umrah pilgrimages. The Embassy urged them to consider the ongoing disruptions and the high possibility of flight cancellations, which could lead to unexpectedly extended stays in the country.
Strict Warnings and Safety Protocols
India's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Vipul, issued a video message to the community condemning the attacks on civilian infrastructure. He urged all Indians to remain calm, alert, and to stay indoors in the event of an aerial attack.
The Embassy has issued a stern warning regarding the sharing of information. Indian nationals are advised to refrain from filming, publishing, or sharing any photos or videos related to the ongoing events. Ambassador Vipul emphasized that distributing such content is a violation of Saudi law and could lead to serious legal complications.
To support those affected, particularly Umrah pilgrims facing difficulties, the Embassy has established dedicated helplines to provide necessary assistance during this crisis.