Riyadh Airport attack: Indian Embassy monitors nationals, 1 dead, 3 in ICU
Synopsis
One Indian national is dead and three more remain in ICU following the Houthi strike on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on 10 October. The deceased, Mohammed Yusuf Ali from Hyderabad, had two sons and an aunt also injured in the attack — a detail that sharpens the human cost of an escalating conflict that India has now formally condemned as 'unacceptable'.
Key Takeaways
Mohammed Yusuf Ali , an Indian national from Hyderabad , died following injuries sustained in the 10 October attack on King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh .
Three Indian nationals remain in ICU in stable condition; two more are in general wards; the rest have been discharged.
The attack killed 12 people and injured 309 others , according to the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation .
Jaishankar expressed condolences and confirmed the Embassy will assist with repatriation of mortal remains.
India condemned the attack on Sunday , calling strikes on civilian infrastructure 'unacceptable' and calling for an immediate halt to hostilities.
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has confirmed that one Indian national has died and several others remain hospitalised following the 10 October attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Embassy officials visited all hospitals across the country where injured Indian nationals were admitted, providing a full status update on 12 October.
Current Condition of Injured Indian Nationals
According to the Embassy, three Indian nationals remain in intensive care units (ICUs) but are in stable condition, while two others are receiving treatment in general wards. The remaining injured have been discharged. The Embassy expressed gratitude to Saudi authorities for the medical care extended to Indian nationals and assured their families of all possible support.
In an update posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Embassy stated: 'Our Embassy officials have visited all hospitals where Indian nationals injured in the attack have been admitted. As mentioned earlier, 1 Indian national unfortunately passed away today, 3 are in ICU but stable, 2 more are admitted in normal wards while others have been discharged.'
Who Was Killed: Mohammed Yusuf Ali From Hyderabad
The deceased has been identified as Mohammed Yusuf Ali, a native of Hyderabad. His two sons and an aunt were also injured in the attack and are among those receiving treatment. The Embassy confirmed it is in touch with the family and will facilitate the early repatriation of mortal remains.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed grief over the death and posted on X: 'Deeply grieved at the loss of life of an Indian national in the Riyadh attack. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The Embassy will extend all possible assistance.'
The Attack: What Happened at King Khalid International Airport
The strike on King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital took place on the afternoon of 10 October. According to the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, the attack killed 12 people and injured 309 others. Yemen's Houthi group and Saudi Arabia have been exchanging strikes on major airports, and the Houthis are reported to be behind the assault, though attribution details continue to be tracked by authorities.
This attack is part of a broader pattern of escalating Houthi strikes on Saudi civilian infrastructure, with international airports increasingly being targeted. Notably, this is among the deadliest single strikes on Saudi civilian infrastructure in recent months.
India's Official Response
India on Sunday formally condemned the attack, calling strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure 'unacceptable' and demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities. The government's swift diplomatic response reflects the scale of the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia, estimated to be among the largest expatriate communities in the country.
The Embassy has assured all affected families that consular assistance remains fully operational, and the situation continues to be monitored closely as some nationals remain in critical care.
Point of View
But the harder diplomatic question is what leverage New Delhi has to protect its roughly 2.5 million nationals in Saudi Arabia as both sides continue striking civilian infrastructure. The Embassy's hospital-by-hospital monitoring is commendable, yet it is reactive — the absence of a formal evacuation advisory for high-risk zones in Saudi Arabia, despite repeated Houthi targeting of major airports, deserves scrutiny. As the conflict shows no sign of de-escalating, India's diaspora policy in the Gulf may require a more proactive posture than consular visits after the fact.
NationPress
12 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the Indian national killed in the Riyadh airport attack?
The deceased has been identified as Mohammed Yusuf Ali from Hyderabad . His two sons and an aunt were also injured in the same attack and are currently receiving medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.
How many Indians were injured in the Riyadh airport attack?
Several Indian nationals were injured in the 10 October strike on King Khalid International Airport. As of 12 October, three remain in ICU in stable condition, two are in general wards, and the rest have been discharged.
What was the Riyadh airport attack and who carried it out?
The attack targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on 10 October, killing 12 people and injuring 309 others according to the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation. It is part of ongoing exchanges of strikes between Yemen's Houthi group and Saudi Arabia targeting major airports.
What has the Indian government said about the Riyadh attack?
India formally condemned the attack, calling strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure 'unacceptable' and calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed grief over the death of Mohammed Yusuf Ali and confirmed Embassy support for his family.
What assistance is the Indian Embassy providing to affected families?
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has visited all hospitals where injured Indian nationals are admitted, is in contact with the families of the deceased and injured, and has committed to facilitating the early repatriation of mortal remains and extending all possible consular support.
