Riyadh airport attack sparks anxiety among Hyderabad families

The deadly attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has heightened anxiety among Hyderabad families with relatives in Saudi Arabia. Families are monitoring developments, keeping in touch with loved ones and considering whether they should return to India if conditions worsen

Hyderabad: The attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, in which a man from Hyderabad was killed, has triggered anxiety among families whose loved ones live and work in Saudi Arabia. Many are closely monitoring developments and staying in constant touch with their relatives to ensure their safety.

For several families, what was once a distant concern over tensions in the Gulf has now become a personal worry. The developments have prompted them to advise their family members against venturing out unnecessarily and to consider returning to India if the situation worsens.

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Mirza Rafath, an engineer working in Riyadh, said his family members in India had been in constant touch with him following the recent developments. Educational institutions had shifted to online classes, while several corporate companies had adopted a work-from-home model, he said.

Mohd Niyaz, a resident of Shahalibanda whose elder brother lives in Riyadh, said his family was closely following reports on news websites and television channels to stay informed about the situation.

“We are constantly tracking the developments and have advised our family members in Saudi Arabia to remain cautious,” he said.

Several people from Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana work in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, supporting their families back home. The latest developments have left their relatives worried, particularly as the attack on Riyadh airport has raised concerns about the safety of Indians living and working in the kingdom.

The situation has also revived memories of recent tensions in the United Arab Emirates, which prompted some people to leave the country and return to India. Families are now closely monitoring developments in Saudi Arabia before deciding whether their relatives should continue staying there or return home.

A Hyderabad woman who lives in Chaderghat and whose husband works in Saudi Arabia said she had urged him to return to India following the attack. However, he told her that the incident was isolated and that the situation was largely normal.

“He has asked me not to panic, but I am worried about his safety. He will take a final decision on returning after the airport reopens and flight services resume,” she said.

With families awaiting clarity on the situation and the resumption of flight operations, many hope normalcy will return soon and their loved ones will remain safe.