Kochi-Riyadh air traffic disrupted after Houthi missile attack claim, Indian Embassy issues advisory
AIR traffic between Kochi and Riyadh was disrupted on Thursday following reports of a fresh security threat at King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital.
Two flights scheduled to depart from Cochin International Airport (CIAL) for Riyadh were cancelled amid the security concerns.
The cancelled services were Akasa Air flight QP523, scheduled to leave Kochi at 7.55 pm, and Saudia flight SV775, scheduled for departure at 9.40 pm. Akasa Air has also suspended its flight from Riyadh to Kochi (QP 524).
CIAL authorities advised passengers booked on the two flights to contact the respective airlines’ customer service centres for information on their travel arrangements.
A flight departing from Kannur International Airport for Riyadh returned after it had covered
more than half the distance.
Air India suspends Riyadh operations
An Air India flight operating from Delhi to Riyadh reportedly turned back while en route following reports of an attack on Riyadh airport.
Air India and Air India Express have suspended their flights to and from Riyadh until 10 October, according to airline officials.
The disruptions came after Yemen’s Houthi group claimed to have launched a fresh ballistic missile attack targeting King Khalid International Airport.
Houthis claim missile strike
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea, in a social media post, claimed that a ballistic missile had hit its intended target at the airport and disrupted air traffic. He also claimed missile strikes against government forces near the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
An advisory from King Khalid International Airport
There was no immediate confirmation from Saudi authorities of the latest attack claim.
Sarea also warned international airlines against continuing to operate flights through Saudi airspace.
The latest claim followed attacks on two Saudi airports on October 6 and 7, that reportedly killed three people and left 36 injured.
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said on October 7 that it had launched a comprehensive military operation in response to attacks on civilians and civilian sites in the country. The coalition said 82 Houthi military targets across several provinces had been destroyed.
Indian Embassy issues advisory
Amid the developing situation, the Embassy of India in Riyadh advised Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain alert.
The embassy asked Indians to stay indoors when necessary and follow instructions issued by local authorities through official channels. It also urged the community not to circulate or repost videos or news related to the ongoing developments.
The Embassy in Riyadh, the Consulate in Jeddah and their outsourced services through VFS were continuing to function normally, the advisory said.
The 24-hour helpline of the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK) remains available at 8002471234. The Indian community has also been advised to follow the official social media handles of the Embassy for further updates.
