Saudi Arabia Security Alert: Houthi-Linked Attacks Disrupt Flights, Indian Embassy Issues Advisory

Air India Express cancels services to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam until October 17; Indian nationals urged to follow emergency safety instructions

By Delhi Magazine | October 14, 2026: RIYADH: Rising security tensions involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels have disrupted air travel and prompted the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to issue a safety advisory for Indian nationals living in or travelling through the Kingdom.

Air India Express has cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam until October 17, 2026, citing the evolving security situation in the region. The airline said it was monitoring developments and would review its operations as necessary. Affected passengers are being offered complimentary rescheduling or a full refund upon cancellation.

The latest security developments have renewed attention on wider regional tensions and their implications for Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Gulf countries. Read more about the broader geopolitical context in our report on Iran, Saudi Arabia and rising regional tensions.

The disruption comes amid heightened regional tensions and reports of missile and drone threats linked to the conflict involving Yemen’s Houthi movement. The situation has raised concerns about aviation safety, civilian security and travel across the region.

Air India Express Suspends Flights to Three Saudi Cities

In its travel update, Air India Express confirmed the cancellation of flights to and from Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh through October 17.

The airline said it would continue monitoring the situation and adjust its operations as required. It also confirmed that affected passengers would receive assistance with rescheduling or refunds.

Passengers have been advised to check their flight status on the airline’s official website, airindiaexpress.com, before leaving for the airport. Travellers should also ensure that their registered contact details are up to date so they can receive schedule changes and other important notifications.

Other airlines may also revise their schedules depending on security assessments. Passengers should therefore confirm their travel arrangements directly with their respective carriers.

Indian Embassy Urges Nationals to Follow Saudi Emergency Alerts

The Embassy of India in Riyadh has urged members of the Indian community to take note of instructions issued by Saudi authorities and follow official safety advisories.

An emergency information notice shared by the embassy explains what residents should do if they receive a warning message through Saudi Arabia’s National Early Warning Platform for Emergencies.

The key instructions include:

• Remain calm and follow official emergency instructions.
• Move to a safe location or an interior room away from windows when directed.
• Stay away from open areas, glass windows and other potentially hazardous locations.
• Do not leave a shelter until authorities indicate that the danger has passed.
• Follow instructions issued by Saudi civil defence and other competent authorities.
• Avoid sharing unverified reports, images or videos about security incidents.

Indian nationals have been advised to remain alert and rely on official announcements rather than unverified social media posts.

Embassy and Jeddah Consulate Share Emergency Contact Details

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has published contact details for its 24-hour control room and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to assist Indian nationals requiring consular support.

Embassy of India, Riyadh

• Telephone: +966-554412016 / +966-542126784
• Toll-free number within Saudi Arabia: 8002471234
• WhatsApp: +966-536216082 (messages only)
• Email: cw.riyadh@mea.gov.in

Consulate General of India, Jeddah

• Telephone: +966-12-2614093 / +966-556122301
• WhatsApp: +966-536209704 (messages only)
• Email: pbskcgi@gmail.com

The contact details were included in an advisory dated October 13, 2026. Indian nationals should verify the latest information through the embassy’s official website, eoiriyadh.gov.in, before contacting the relevant office.

What Indian Travellers Should Do

Indian nationals planning to travel to Saudi Arabia should check their flight status and review the latest airline announcements before departure.

Passengers whose flights have been cancelled should contact their airline or authorised travel agent to discuss rescheduling, refunds and alternative arrangements. Those already in Saudi Arabia should keep their contact details updated, follow local emergency instructions and monitor official embassy announcements.

As the regional situation remains sensitive, travel arrangements and safety measures may change at short notice.

The evolving security environment across the Middle East also highlights the importance of defence preparedness and regional stability. For further context, read our report on India’s defence imports over the past three decades.

Indian nationals are advised to remain vigilant, follow instructions issued by Saudi authorities and rely on official airline and embassy channels for the latest updates.