Indian airlines cancel Saudi flights until October 17

IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express and Akasa Air on Tuesday announced the cancellation or suspension of flights connecting major Saudi Arabian cities until October 17 amid an evolving security situation in the region.

The decision comes after a series of reported attacks in Saudi Arabia in recent days, including an attack at Riyadh airport. The airline said they were closely monitoring developments and prioritising passenger safety amid rising security concerns. IndiGo announced on social media platform X that flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah would remain cancelled until October 17 due to the evolving situation in Saudi Arabia.

Air India Express also confirmed the suspension of services to and from Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh until October 17. The airline said affected passengers could opt for complimentary rescheduling or a full refund on cancellation.

“In view of the evolving situation in the region, we have cancelled flights to and from Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh until 17 October,” the airline said in a statement, adding that it would continue to monitor the situation closely. Air India announced the cancellation of flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until October 17. The airline said it was assessing developments in the region and would resume safe operations when conditions permitted. It also offered affected passengers a full refund on cancellation.

Meanwhile, Akasa Air 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 the associated risks to safe flight operations.

In a post on X, Akasa Air said the decision followed a careful assessment of the evolving situation, with passenger and operational safety remaining its primary consideration. The airline added that it was monitoring developments in real time. Last week, airlines temporarily suspended services to Riyadh following reports of attacks at the city’s airport, reportedly involving Houthi militants.

Tensions involving the Iran-backed Houthi group and Saudi Arabia have intensified, with reports of attacks involving armed drones and missiles raising concerns over regional security.

The latest suspensions are expected to affect passengers travelling between India and Saudi Arabia.

Travellers scheduled to fly on the affected routes are advised to check directly with their respective airlines for the latest flight updates, rescheduling options and refund policies.