New Delhi: Indian airlines Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Akasa Air have extended the suspension of flights to and from Saudi Arabia amid the prevailing security situation in the Middle East. The latest cancellations affect services connecting major Saudi cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah, disrupting travel plans for passengers flying between India and the Gulf.
Air India and Air India Express have now suspended flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam until October 24. IndiGo has also cancelled services to and from four Saudi cities until the same date, while Akasa Air has extended its Riyadh suspension until October 24 and Jeddah cancellations until October 21.
The airlines have said they are monitoring developments and assessing the situation, with passenger and crew safety remaining their priority.
Which Saudi Arabia Flights Have Been Cancelled Until October 24?
The latest suspension timelines differ by airline and destination.
– Air India: Flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam remain suspended until October 24.
– Air India Express: Services connecting Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam have been suspended until October 24.
– IndiGo: Flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah have been cancelled until October 24, inclusive.
– Akasa Air: Flights to and from Riyadh remain suspended until October 24, while services to and from Jeddah are suspended until October 21.
Passengers scheduled to travel on these routes should check their flight status directly with the respective airline before leaving for the airport. Travellers who booked through a travel agent or another booking platform may need to contact that provider for assistance.
What Are The Refund And Rescheduling Rules?
Air India and Air India Express are offering eligible passengers a one-time complimentary date change.
Passengers holding confirmed bookings issued on or before October 15, 2026, for travel between October 9 and October 25 can reschedule their journey on the respective airline up to November 10 without paying a date-change fee.
Those whose flights have been cancelled can also choose a full refund if they no longer wish to travel.
IndiGo has said affected passengers are being notified using the contact details provided at the time of booking. Customers who purchased tickets through travel partners have been advised to contact them directly for assistance.
Akasa Air is offering affected passengers the option of a full refund, credited to the original payment source within seven days, or rescheduling without additional charges. Passengers who booked through travel partners should approach them to process their requests.
Can Passengers Travel Through Other Gulf Airports?
Air India and Air India Express have also offered eligible passengers the option of rebooking from alternative Gulf stations, subject to availability and applicable conditions.
Air India customers may rebook to or from Dubai or Doha. Air India Express passengers have a wider list of alternative stations, including Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Salalah and Sharjah.
However, passengers choosing an alternative departure point must arrange their own transport to that airport and meet the relevant visa and entry requirements. They should confirm the revised itinerary with their airline before making additional travel arrangements.
Why Are Indian Airlines Suspending Saudi Arabia Flights?
The cancellations come amid heightened security concerns and escalating hostilities in the Middle East, including reported attacks involving drones and missiles targeting Saudi infrastructure.
Airlines have adjusted their schedules as they assess the risks associated with operating services in the affected region. The suspension dates may change depending on further developments and operational assessments.
For passengers with upcoming bookings, the most important steps are to verify the status of their individual flight, check eligibility for a refund or complimentary date change, and avoid travelling to an alternative airport without confirmed arrangements.
The October 24 deadline is the current suspension date for several services, not a guarantee that all affected routes will resume immediately afterward. Travellers should continue checking official airline advisories for updates.
