Air India Suspends Flights to Riyadh and Dammam Until November 7 Amid Security Concerns
Air India and Air India Express suspend flights to Riyadh and Dammam until November 7 due to ongoing security threats.
Riyadh, October 24 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian Embassy announced on October 24 that Air India and Air India Express have suspended flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam until November 7. Additionally, services to Jeddah will remain halted until October 31.
This decision comes in response to ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure, particularly at airports in Riyadh and Dammam. The embassy stated that the suspension of flight services will continue, and flights to Jeddah will also not operate as scheduled.
Meanwhile, the Indian government is actively working to facilitate the return of Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of External Affairs reported that the Indian Embassy and Consulate are in touch with airlines and tour operators to ensure the swift return of travelers.
During a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that approximately 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims have returned to India over the past week. In addition, more than 10,000 regular Umrah travelers have also made their way back.
Jaiswal mentioned that discussions are ongoing to arrange the return of the remaining passengers. The Indian Embassy and Consulate are in continuous contact with those affected and are providing support with the help of community volunteers.
To assist Indian citizens in Riyadh and Jeddah, a 24-hour control room is operational. Regular advisories are being issued to keep citizens informed about the situation on the ground.
Recently, India condemned the attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, which included assaults on King Fahd International Airport and the Aramco Shaybah oil field. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, one Indian citizen was killed in an attack at Dammam airport, while two others were injured. Another Indian national was also hurt in the attack on the Shaybah oil field.
India remains hopeful for a swift return to peace and normalcy in the region.
