Riyadh airport attack: 2 injured Indians in ICU, Embassy issues advisory
Synopsis
Two Indian nationals injured in the October 10 Riyadh airport attack remain in the ICU, with one more in the HDU, as the Indian Embassy issued a fresh advisory warning nationals to stay indoors and avoid sharing attack footage. With Riyadh airport still closed and Indian carriers — Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air — suspending flights until late October, thousands of Indians in Saudi Arabia face prolonged uncertainty.
Key Takeaways
Two Indian nationals injured in the October 10 Riyadh airport attack remain in the ICU as of 16 October 2026 .
One more Indian is in the High Dependency Unit (HDU) ; three others are in a normal ward.
Riyadh's international airport remains closed; Dammam , Jeddah , and Medina airports are operational with some disruptions.
Air India and Air India Express have suspended flights to Saudi Arabia until October 20 ; IndiGo and Akasa Air until October 24 .
The Embassy advises Indians to stay indoors during aerial attacks and avoid sharing any photos or videos of the attacks, warning it violates Saudi law.
Transit via Bahrain , Kuwait , or Qatar has been suggested for those needing urgent departure.
Two Indian nationals injured in the October 10 attack on Riyadh's international airport continue to receive treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia confirmed on Friday, 16 October 2026. One additional Indian national is in the High Dependency Unit (HDU), while three others are recovering in a normal ward, according to a fresh advisory issued by the Embassy.
Current Condition of Injured Indians
The Embassy's update provides the most detailed breakdown yet of the medical status of Indian nationals caught in the airport attack. With two patients still in the ICU and one in the HDU, the situation remains serious for at least three individuals. The advisory did not specify the total number of Indians injured in the October 10 strike.
Riyadh Airport Remains Closed, Other Hubs Operational
Riyadh's international airport remains shut to flight operations in the aftermath of the attack. The airports at Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina remain operational, though the Embassy noted that some disruptions are continuing at these facilities as well.
The Embassy urged Indian nationals already in Saudi Arabia to follow instructions from local authorities, remain indoors during aerial attacks, and strictly refrain from filming, publishing, or sharing any information, photographs, or videos related to the ongoing situation. Sharing such content is reportedly against Saudi law and could have serious legal consequences.
Indian Carriers Suspend Flights Until Late October
Indian carriers have extended their suspensions on Saudi Arabia routes. Air India and Air India Express have suspended all operations until October 20, while IndiGo has extended its suspension until October 24. Akasa Air has suspended its Riyadh flights until October 24 and Jeddah flights until October 21.
Some Saudi carriers continue to offer alternatives. Saudia is operating scheduled flights to Indian destinations from Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina. Flynas is running scheduled flights on the Dammam–Lucknow sector, and Flyadeal has announced Dammam–Mumbai flights on 17–18 October.
Transit Options and Umrah Pilgrim Advisory
The Embassy advised Indian nationals requiring urgent departure from Saudi Arabia to consider transiting via Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar, subject to obtaining the necessary visas. Indians planning to travel to Saudi Arabia — including for Umrah — have been asked to account for the ongoing airport disruptions and the possibility of extended stays due to flight cancellations.
Ambassador's Message to the Indian Community
India's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Vipul, on Thursday delivered a video message to the Indian community, stating that India had condemned the attacks on civilian facilities and infrastructure. Ambassador Vipul confirmed that the Embassy had activated helplines for Umrah pilgrims who faced inconvenience following the attacks. 'In the current situation, all of us have to remain calm and alert. Especially in case of an aerial attack, we have to remain indoors,' he said, reiterating the warning against sharing any visual content related to the attacks.
With Indian carrier suspensions running through late October and Riyadh airport still offline, the situation for tens of thousands of Indians in Saudi Arabia is expected to remain fluid in the days ahead.
Point of View
And the fact that two Indians remain in the ICU underscores that this is not a resolved situation — it is an active humanitarian concern. What is missing from the public record is still critical: the total number of Indians injured, the nature of the attack, and who carried it out. Indian carriers extending suspensions into late October signals that the security calculus around Riyadh has not improved. The tens of thousands of Indians in Saudi Arabia — many of them blue-collar workers with no easy exit route — deserve more than an advisory to 'stay calm'; they need a visible consular presence and clear evacuation protocols that have yet to be publicly detailed.
NationPress
16 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Indians were injured in the Riyadh airport attack?
The Indian Embassy confirmed that at least six Indian nationals are receiving treatment following the October 10 Riyadh airport attack — two in the ICU, one in the HDU, and three in a normal ward. The total number of Indians injured in the attack has not been officially specified.
Is Riyadh airport open for flights?
No. Riyadh's international airport remains closed to flight operations as of 16 October 2026. Airports in Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina are operational, though some disruptions continue at those facilities as well.
Which Indian airlines have suspended flights to Saudi Arabia?
Air India and Air India Express have suspended all Saudi Arabia routes until October 20. IndiGo has extended its suspension until October 24, and Akasa Air has suspended Riyadh flights until October 24 and Jeddah flights until October 21.
What should Indians in Saudi Arabia do right now?
The Indian Embassy has advised nationals to follow instructions from local authorities, remain indoors during any aerial attack, and avoid filming or sharing any photographs or videos related to the ongoing events, as doing so violates Saudi law. Those needing urgent departure can consider transit via Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar.
What is the advice for Umrah pilgrims planning to travel to Saudi Arabia?
The Embassy has advised Indians planning Umrah travel to factor in ongoing airport disruptions and the possibility of flight cancellations that could result in extended stays. Prospective travellers are urged to monitor advisories closely before booking or departing.
