Indian Airlines Suspend Flights to Saudi Arabia Until October 17
Major Indian carriers halt operations to key Saudi cities due to security concerns.
IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air cancel flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah until October 17.
The cancellations are a response to recent attacks in Saudi Arabia, including at Riyadh airport.
Passengers affected by the cancellations are offered full refunds or complimentary rescheduling.
In a significant move, major Indian airlines including IndiGo, Air India Express, Air India, and Akasa Air have announced the cancellation of flights to various cities in Saudi Arabia until October 17, 2026. This decision comes amid escalating security concerns following recent attacks in the Gulf nation, particularly incidents reported at Riyadh airport.
The situation in Saudi Arabia has deteriorated, prompting airlines to take precautionary measures. IndiGo confirmed via a post on X that flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah have been suspended until the specified date. Similarly, Air India Express issued a statement indicating that it is closely monitoring the evolving circumstances and has also canceled flights to these cities. The airline is providing affected passengers with options for complimentary rescheduling or full refunds.
Air India has echoed these sentiments, stating that it is assessing the developments in the region to ensure the safety of its operations. The airline's communication on X highlighted its commitment to passenger safety and the provision of refunds for those impacted by the cancellations. Akasa Air has also extended its flight suspension to Riyadh and Jeddah, citing the escalating security situation in West Asia as a primary concern.
The recent hostilities involving the Iran-backed Houthi group have intensified, with reports of drone and missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. These developments have raised alarms regarding the safety of air travel in the region, leading airlines to prioritize passenger security in their operational decisions.
Looking ahead, airlines are expected to continue monitoring the situation closely. The resumption of flights will depend on the stabilization of security conditions in Saudi Arabia. Passengers are advised to stay updated through official airline communications regarding any changes to flight schedules or additional cancellations.
