Air India and IndiGo Extend Flight Suspensions to Saudi Arabia
Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air have prolonged flight cancellations to Saudi cities amid regional tensions, affecting many travelers.
Air India and Air India Express flights to Riyadh and Dammam suspended until November 7.
IndiGo and Akasa Air also extend cancellations to Jeddah and other cities.
Indian consulate in Jeddah provides support for affected travelers, especially Umrah pilgrims.
Air India and Air India Express have announced an extension of flight suspensions to and from Riyadh and Dammam until November 7, 2026, while services to Jeddah will remain canceled until October 31, 2026. This decision comes amid rising tensions in the region, impacting numerous travelers, including Indian Umrah pilgrims.
The recent flight cancellations have prompted other Indian airlines, such as IndiGo and Akasa Air, to also reduce their operations to Saudi Arabian destinations. The Indian consulate in Jeddah has increased its assistance efforts for those affected by these disruptions, particularly focusing on helping Umrah pilgrims who are facing challenges due to cancellations and travel arrangements.
According to Air India, passengers with confirmed bookings made on or before October 24 can choose flexible rebooking options or receive full refunds if their flights are canceled. For those traveling to or from Riyadh and Dammam until November 7, a one-time complimentary rebooking to any operational Air India station in Saudi Arabia is available, with travel permitted until November 21. Similarly, passengers with bookings to Jeddah can rebook until November 14 for travel originally scheduled on or before October 31.
IndiGo has also announced that its flights to and from Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah will remain canceled until October 31, while services to Riyadh are suspended until the same date. Akasa Air has extended its flight suspensions to Jeddah until November 10 and to Riyadh until November 30, further complicating travel plans for many.
In response to the ongoing situation, the Indian consulate in Jeddah has set up 24-hour control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah to assist Indian nationals affected by the flight cancellations. Collaborating with local community organizations and volunteers, the consulate is providing essential support, including food and medical supplies, while also coordinating with airlines to facilitate refunds and connect Umrah tour operators with carriers still offering flights to India. Passengers are advised that alternative travel arrangements will depend on seat availability and airline policies.
