India advises nationals in Saudi not to film missile interceptions

India has advised its nationals in Saudi Arabia to refrain from filming or publishing information related to missile and drone interceptions, the Indian Embassy said on 25 October, citing legal liability under Saudi law. The advisory came amid escalating Houthi drone and missile attacks on Saudi civilian infrastructure. The Consulate General of India in Jeddah said it is coordinating with Saudi ministries and airlines to facilitate the early return of Umrah pilgrims and asked those facing difficulties to call the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's Pilgrim Care Centre at 1966.

Air India and Air India Express extended the suspension of flights to Riyadh and Dammam until 7 November, and to Jeddah until 31 October, offering one-time free rebooking or full refunds to passengers. IndiGo suspended Saudi services until 31 October, Akasa halted Jeddah flights until 10 November and Riyadh flights until 30 November. More than 7,800 flights departing Saudi Arabia were cancelled or recorded as no-fly between 8 and 25 October, 45.1% of scheduled departures, according to Cirium. Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport recorded 85.96% of departures disrupted. The US has ordered non-emergency government employees to leave Saudi Arabia.

Update, 26 October 2026: India has now issued a formal advisory warning nationals against filming or publishing information about missile and drone interceptions, the Indian Embassy confirmed on 25 October. The consulate is coordinating with Saudi ministries to facilitate the early return of Umrah pilgrims affected by the flight suspensions. cnbctv18.com also reports that the US ordered non-emergency government employees to leave Saudi Arabia.