Riyadh: The Indian Embassy announced on Saturday that Air India and Air India Express flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam will remain suspended until November 7. Meanwhile, services by both airlines to Jeddah will remain suspended until October 31.
According to the Embassy, the suspension of flight services to Riyadh and Dammam will continue, and flights to Jeddah will also not operate until the specified date.
This decision has been taken in light of the ongoing attacks on civil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, specifically targeting the airports in Riyadh and Dammam.
Meanwhile, the Government of India stated that continuous efforts are being made to facilitate the return of Indian Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy and the Consulate are in touch with the relevant airlines and tour operators to ensure the swift return of these pilgrims.
During a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that approximately 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims have returned to India from Saudi Arabia over the past week. Additionally, more than 10,000 other Umrah pilgrims have also returned to India.
He added that discussions are underway regarding arrangements for the return of the remaining pilgrims. The Indian Embassy and the Consulate remain in constant contact with those stranded and are providing all possible assistance with the support of community volunteers.
The spokesperson noted that 24-hour control rooms are operational in Riyadh and Jeddah to assist Indian citizens. Furthermore, regular advisories are being issued to provide updates on the situation on the ground. It may be noted that India recently condemned the attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. These include the attacks on King Fahd International Airport and Aramco’s Shaybah oil field.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, one Indian national was killed and two others were injured in the attack on Dammam Airport. Additionally, one Indian national sustained injuries in the attack on the Shaybah oil field.
India has expressed the hope that peace and normalcy will soon be restored in the region.
