Air India, IndiGo, Akasa extend Saudi Arabia flight suspensions to October 24

Air India and Air India Express on Saturday, 17 October 2026, extended the cancellation of their flights to Saudi Arabia until 24 October, joining IndiGo and Akasa Air in keeping services suspended for another week after attacks on Riyadh's airport. IndiGo's advisory of 15 October cancels its flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until 24 October inclusive. Akasa Air has kept Riyadh suspended until 24 October and Jeddah until 21 October. The disruption follows an attack on Riyadh airport on 10 October in which seven Indian nationals were injured; coverage has attributed the attacks to Yemen's Houthis. Air India said it is "continuously assessing the situation to ensure the safe resumption of operations".

Saudi Arabia is a major destination for Indian workers, families and pilgrims to Makkah and Madinah. A week-long extension of cancellations by every major Indian airline flying the route means many travellers must change plans, from workers returning to jobs to families visiting for the festival season.

The pattern of short, rolling extensions shows how uncertain the situation is. The airlines first suspended flights until 17 October; now the date has moved to 24 October, and it may move again. Airlines are waiting for clarity from Saudi aviation authorities on Riyadh airport and for their own security assessments, and they are reluctant to put aircraft and crew at risk while attacks remain possible.

The injuries to seven Indians in the 10 October attack brought the danger close to home. India's embassy has been issuing advisories, and its note that Riyadh remains shut while Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah are working with disruptions gives some options to travellers, though Indian carriers have cancelled those routes too. Some passengers may be able to reach Saudi cities on foreign carriers or through connecting hubs, but that usually means longer journeys and higher fares.

For travellers, the practical steps are clear: check the airline's latest advisory before leaving for the airport, use the free rescheduling or refund options that airlines typically offer when they cancel flights, and keep an eye on embassy notices. Those holding visas tied to start dates for jobs or Umrah should contact their employers or agents about delays.

Short-term: Passengers booked on Indian airlines to Saudi Arabia up to 24 October will see cancellations and must rebook or claim refunds. Fares on alternative routes through Gulf hubs may rise.

Long-term: If attacks continue, airlines may cut Saudi schedules for longer, hurting the large flow of Indian workers and pilgrims and the revenue Indian carriers earn on these routes. A clear reopening of Riyadh airport would allow services to return quickly.

Who is affected: Indian workers in Saudi Arabia and their families; Umrah pilgrims; business travellers; and Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Akasa Air.

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