New Delhi: Indian carriers IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air have suspended flights to and from several cities in Saudi Arabia until October 17 amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and growing concerns over aviation safety following recent attacks in the region.
In a travel advisory issued on social media platform X, IndiGo announced the cancellation of flights connecting Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until Saturday, citing the evolving security situation in Saudi Arabia.
The airline advised passengers to check their flight status on its official website before travelling to the airport and said updates were being communicated through contact details provided at the time of booking.
“Due to the evolving situation in Saudi Arabia, flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah stand cancelled until 17 October’26,” IndiGo said.
The carrier added that its support teams were available to assist affected passengers and that it remained in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure safe operations.
Akasa Air also extended the suspension of all flights to and from Riyadh and Jeddah until October 17, citing the escalating security situation in the Middle East and associated risks to flight operations.
The airline said the decision followed a careful assessment of regional developments, with passenger and crew safety remaining its primary consideration.
“In view of the escalating security situation in the Middle East and the associated risks to safe flight operations, Akasa Air has extended the suspension of all flights to and from Riyadh and Jeddah until October 17, 2026,” the carrier said in a post on X.
Akasa Air said affected passengers could either seek a full refund or reschedule their journeys without additional charges. Refunds would be credited to the original payment method within seven days, while passengers who booked through travel agents were advised to contact their respective booking partners.
Meanwhile, Air India announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until October 17.
“In view of the evolving situation in Saudi Arabia, all Air India flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah stand cancelled until 17 October 2026,” the airline said.
Air India said it was closely monitoring developments in the region and assessing conditions for the safe resumption of services. Affected passengers are being offered full refunds upon cancellation.
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia also shared the advisories issued by IndiGo and Akasa Air on X, informing travellers about the extended flight suspensions.
The cancellations come amid heightened security concerns following recent attacks on aviation facilities in Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Vipul, along with Embassy officials, attended the funeral of Indian national Mohammed Yousef Ali, who died following the recent attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
In a post on X on Monday, the Embassy said the Ambassador and officials joined the deceased’s family and well-wishers at the funeral service.
“Ambassador conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul. He also assured the family of the Embassy’s continued support and assistance,” the Embassy said.
The developments follow the October 10 attack on King Khalid International Airport, which reportedly left 13 people dead after the Indian Embassy confirmed the death of an Indian national who had sustained injuries in the incident.
Amid the escalating conflict, the Houthi movement issued a warning to international airlines, foreign workers and commercial travellers to avoid Saudi aviation hubs, declaring the country’s airspace unsafe while making an exception for the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
The three Indian airlines said passenger and crew safety remained their highest priority as they continued to monitor the security situation and coordinate with relevant authorities.
[DD News]