Riyadh Airport Missile Strike Kills Indian; Flights Grounded
A devastating Riyadh airport missile strike has claimed the life of an Indian national, sending shockwaves through the region and forcing major airlines to ground flights across Saudi Arabia.
Mohammed Yousuf, a 46-year-old IT professional from Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad, was killed during the attack on October 10. Yousuf was at a check-in kiosk with his wife and three children, preparing for an Umrah pilgrimage, when debris from the terminal roof collapsed on him. He succumbed to his injuries the following day.
Family Traumatised by Attack
The tragedy extended to Yousuf’s family, who were also caught in the blast. His wife and children sustained various injuries; one son suffered the loss of his toes, while another required surgery on his knee.
Widespread Casualties and Houthi Responsibility
The strike is part of a larger, intense offensive by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have targeted the airport repeatedly over a four-day period. The scale of the devastation is significant:
- At least 13 people killed during the offensive.
- Over 300 injuries reported.
- 11 Indian nationals were among the injured, with one later passing away.
- A Pakistani national was also killed in a separate strike on the airport complex on October 11.
The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attacks and issued warnings to travelers and airlines. Earlier incidents also reported strikes on Abha airport in the southwest.
Massive Flight Disruptions
In the wake of the security threat, major Indian carriers including IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, and Akasa Air have suspended all services to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah. King Khalid International Airport remains closed under a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) until October 17, with many flights grounded until that date.
Indian Government Response and Assistance
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has condemned the attacks on civilian infrastructure as "completely unacceptable," with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressing his condolences to the bereaved families. To support citizens, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh has implemented several measures:
- Establishment of a 24-hour Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra helpline at 8002471234.
- A dedicated control room in Jeddah to assist stranded Umrah pilgrims.
- Advisories urging citizens to stay indoors during aerial threats and refrain from circulating videos.
Relief for Visa Holders
Recognizing the chaos caused by the cancellations, Saudi authorities have confirmed that no overstay fines will be imposed on individuals holding visit, tourist, Umrah, or business visas who were affected by these flight disruptions.
The ongoing regional instability, fueled by the broader conflict involving the US and Iran, has heightened anxiety for the 2.7 million Indian nationals living in Saudi Arabia. Recent reports suggest that over three lakh Indians have already returned from the Gulf since February.