New Delhi: Air India and budget carriers IndiGo and Air India Express on Thursday cancelled their flights to Riyadh until October 10, citing the security situation in Saudi Arabia.
Amid a fresh Houthi attack claim at Riyadh airport on Thursday, the Indian Embassy also issued an advisory for Indian nationals in Saudi, urging them to remain alert and vigilant.
A Houthi military spokesperson said the Iran-backed group targeted King Khalid International Airport with a ballistic missile and that the strike had disrupted airport operations, AP reported.
Over the past two days, Saudi authorities have reported deadly attacks on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport. Three people have been killed and 36 injured in the attacks, according to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation.
“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 Indian embassy in Riyadh said in its advisory.
The embassy also advised Indian nationals to refrain from circulating or reposting “any videos or news related to the ongoing events.”
New Delhi strongly condemned the attacks on the Saudi airports, calling the targeting of civilian infrastructure “completely unacceptable”.
“We express solidarity and stand with the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
Full refund announced
Announcing cancellation of flights, an Air India Express spokesperson said full refund will be given to affected passengers.
“In view of the evolving situation in the region, we have cancelled flights to and from Riyadh until October 10. Affected guests are being offered complimentary rescheduling or a full refund on cancellation. We continue to monitor the situation closely,” the spokesperson informed.
Authorities at King Khalid International Airport urged passengers to contact airlines directly before heading to the airport.
The Houthis repeatedly claimed attacks on Saudi airports, military and oil facilities in recent days. Early on Thursday, the group warned global airlines “for the last time” about potential consequences of operating in Saudi airspace, which it called a “theatre” for its military operations.
