IndiGo Extends Saudi Flight Cancellations as Air India and Air India Express Reduce Services.
Dubai: Major Indian airlines have cancelled or temporarily suspended flights to several destinations in Saudi Arabia following the extension of the closure of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh after deadly attacks on the Saudi capital.
IndiGo has announced that all flights connecting India with Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah will remain cancelled until October 17, 2026, as the airline responds to the evolving security situation in the Kingdom.
In an official travel advisory, IndiGo confirmed that services to and from the four Saudi destinations had been suspended because of ongoing developments affecting aviation operations.
The airline urged passengers to verify their flight status through official channels before travelling to the airport to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.
IndiGo also stated that affected travellers were being notified using the contact information provided during the booking process.
The carrier assured customers that its support teams remained available to address questions, provide assistance and help passengers affected by the cancellations.
Emphasising its commitment to passenger safety, IndiGo said the security and well-being of travellers and crew members continued to be its highest priority.
The airline added that it was maintaining close coordination with the relevant aviation authorities to monitor developments and ensure that flight operations could resume safely when conditions permit.
Air India Cancels Riyadh Flights Amid Airport Closure
Air India has suspended flights to and from Riyadh until October 15 following the recent attacks targeting the Saudi capital’s international airport, according to a Reuters report.
The airline normally operates seven weekly services connecting Riyadh with Delhi and Mumbai.
Meanwhile, Air India Express has also temporarily halted its Riyadh operations until October 14 and is allowing affected passengers to reschedule their bookings without additional charges.
Air India Express operates 16 flights per week to Riyadh from four Indian cities: Bengaluru, Kochi, Kannur and Kozhikode.
The suspensions have created further uncertainty for passengers travelling between India and Saudi Arabia as airlines continue to adjust schedules in response to regional security developments.
Akasa Air Suspends Jeddah and Riyadh Services
Akasa Air has also announced the temporary suspension of flights to Jeddah and Riyadh until October 13.
The cancellations add to the growing number of disruptions affecting air travel between India and Saudi Arabia.
Several international carriers have similarly suspended or reduced services as security concerns continue to affect airport operations and flight schedules across the Kingdom.
Travellers are being advised to monitor official airline announcements and confirm their flight status before departing for the airport.
Riyadh Airport Closure Extended Until October 17
Saudi authorities have extended the temporary closure of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh until Saturday, October 17.
The airport, which ranks as Saudi Arabia’s second-busiest after Jeddah, remains closed while aviation authorities complete essential safety inspections and operational assessments.
According to the Saudi civil aviation authority, the extended suspension is intended to ensure that airport facilities meet the required safety standards and are fully prepared before flights resume.
A subsequent Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) confirmed that the airport would remain closed until 2100 GMT on October 17, equivalent to 1 am UAE time on October 18.
The airport has been shut since a deadly attack on Saturday that reportedly killed 13 people and injured more than 300 others.
Another attack on Sunday reportedly claimed one life and left nearly a dozen people injured, further heightening concerns about aviation security in the region.
The incidents have triggered one of the most serious disruptions to Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector in recent years, forcing airlines to cancel flights, suspend routes and revise operating schedules.
The situation has also added financial and operational pressure on carriers already dealing with the wider Middle East conflict and rising jet fuel prices.
The impact is not limited to Indian airlines, with several carriers from Europe and Asia also suspending services to affected Saudi destinations.
US and European Aviation Authorities Issue Safety Warnings
International aviation regulators have issued additional safety guidance as security concerns continue to affect Saudi Arabian airspace.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has advised American airlines to exercise caution when operating flights to or over Saudi Arabia.
Similarly, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has expanded its warning covering Saudi airspace, highlighting potential risks associated with missile and drone attacks.
The advisories reflect growing concerns about the safety of civilian aircraft operating in the region.
With the security situation continuing to evolve, passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia are encouraged to check official airline websites and airport updates regularly, as further flight cancellations, delays and schedule adjustments remain possible.
