NEW DELHI: The Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia on Thursday issued an advisory to Indian nationals after several explosions were heard in Riyadh, including a large blast at King Khalid International Airport. It urged them to remain alert, stay indoors as necessary and follow instructions issued by local authorities.“In view of the current situation, all Indian nationals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are advised to remain alert and vigilant, stay indoors as necessary, and follow the instructions issued by local authorities through official channels,” the embassy said.It further added, “Indian nationals are strongly advised to refrain from circulating or reposting any videos or news related to the ongoing events. The Embassy of India, Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah and its outsourced services through VFS, are continuing to function normally and will issue updates and advisories as and when necessary.”
Flights suspended, U-turn
Air India and Lufthansa Group airlines have suspended flights to and from Riyadh amid the escalating security situation in Saudi Arabia following attacks claimed by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels.Air India and Air India Express cancelled all flights to Riyadh until October 10, according to the officials.Lufthansa Group airlines will suspend flights to Riyadh through October 16, a spokesperson for the German group said. The spokesperson cited “current developments in the Middle East” for the decision.Earlier, an Air India flight from Delhi to Riyadh was also turned around and is returning to Delhi after the attacks on Saudi airports raised concerns over the safety of airspace in the region. Flight AI2243 had departed from Delhi and was flying south over Gujarat before proceeding over the Arabian Sea. The pilots subsequently turned the aircraft around and began flying back towards Delhi.The U-turn came after Houthi attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia left one person dead and eight injured, according to the latest information. The developments also came as smoke was seen rising from a stationary aircraft at Riyadh airport.The flight suspensions came as King Khalid International Airport was temporarily disrupted following the explosions heard in Riyadh. The airport had earlier issued an advisory asking passengers to remain in contact with their respective airlines for information on flight status.Flightradar24 said on Thursday that King Khalid International Airport had “closed again.”
Embassy issues helpline for Indians
The embassy said its 24×7 Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra helpline remains available at 8002471234 and advised the Indian community to follow the embassy’s official social media handles for updates.It also strongly advised Indian nationals against circulating or reposting videos or news related to the ongoing events.“The Embassy of India, Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah and its outsourced services through VFS, are continuing to function normally and will issue updates and advisories as and when necessary,” it said.
India condemns attacks on Saudi airports
India had on Wednesday condemned attacks targeting Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in recent days, which Saudi authorities said killed three people and injured several others.“India condemns the attacks that targeted Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh during the past few days, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of civilians. Targeting civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable,” the ministry of external affairs said.“We extend our sincerest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured. We also express our solidarity and stand with the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” it added.
Smoke seen at Riyadh airport as flights halted
Smoke was seen rising from a stationary aircraft at Riyadh airport on Thursday, according to a witness and three people briefed on the matter.Fire and ambulance crews were deployed at the airport and smoke was visible, the witness said. Outgoing flights were halted and passengers were instructed to leave their checked-in luggage behind and evacuate the airport.The cause of the explosions was not immediately known and there was no immediate independent confirmation of what caused the blast or how many flights were affected.
Houthis claim missile strike on King Khalid airport
The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed they had struck King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with a ballistic missile.
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The Houthis have repeatedly claimed attacks against airports, military facilities and oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia in recent days.Saudi authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Three killed in recent airport attacks
The latest explosions came a day after Saudi officials said attacks claimed by the Houthis on King Khalid airport and Abha airport had killed three people.The King Khalid attack killed a Sudanese national and wounded eight others, while the Abha attack killed Moroccan and Algerian residents and injured 28 people, officials said.The attacks have raised concerns over the security of Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oil exporter, as the kingdom becomes increasingly involved in the latest front of the Iran war.
