NEW DELHI: Indian embassies in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday issued fresh advisories for Indian nationals amid flight disruptions following the suspension of services by Indian airlines to several Saudi cities until October 17.The Indian Embassy in Riyadh advised Indian nationals to remain calm and vigilant, stay indoors in the event of an aerial attack and follow instructions issued by local authorities through official channels. It also urged Indians to refrain from circulating or reposting videos or news related to the ongoing events.The Embassy said Air India and Air India Express had suspended flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until October 17. Akasa Air suspended services to and from Riyadh and Jeddah, while IndiGo cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Medina until the same date.The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Operations at other major airports, including Dammam, Jeddah and Medina, are continuing, although disruptions have been reported.The Embassy advised Indian nationals to remain in regular contact with their respective airlines and verify the latest status of their flights. Those needing to leave Saudi Arabia in an emergency may also consider flights from neighbouring Gulf countries, particularly Qatar and Bahrain, subject to obtaining the required visas.The Consulate General of India in Jeddah issued a separate advisory, particularly for Umrah pilgrims travelling to and from Jeddah and Medina. It urged passengers to check with airlines before proceeding to airports and remain in contact with travel agents, tour operators and Umrah service providers regarding cancellations, rescheduling, alternative travel arrangements and accommodation.The Consulate said it was in regular contact with airlines and local authorities to assist affected Indian nationals. Both the Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah have established 24×7 control rooms to provide assistance.The Riyadh Embassy also said Indian nationals who arrived in Saudi Arabia on visit, tourist, Umrah or business visas but were forced to overstay because of flight unavailability would be allowed to leave without paying fines. Those whose visas have expired were advised to exit the Kingdom as soon as flights become available.Indian national killed in Riyadh airport attackThe fresh advisories come after an October 10 attack on Riyadh airport killed Indian national Mohammed Yousef Ali. Ambassador Vipul and Embassy officials attended his funeral in Riyadh on October 12, in accordance with his family’s wishes, and assured the bereaved family of continued support.The Embassy said four Indian nationals injured in the attack remained in intensive care, four were receiving treatment in normal wards and three had been discharged. Officials were visiting hospitals and maintaining contact with the injured and their families.Meanwhile, IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India announced the extended suspension of their services, citing the evolving security situation and risks to safe flight operations. Air India and Akasa Air said affected passengers could seek full refunds, while Akasa Air also offered rescheduling without additional charges.
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