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IndiGo has extended flight cancellations to Saudi Arabia amid regional security concerns, with Riyadh services suspended through October 31 and flights to Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah cancelled through October 27, according to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. (Images: X)
Dubai/New Delhi: IndiGo has extended the cancellation of several flights to and from Saudi Arabia amid heightened security concerns in the region, with services to Riyadh suspended through October 31 and flights to three other Saudi cities cancelled through October 27, according to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh.
In an update posted on X on Friday, October 23, the embassy said IndiGo flights connecting Riyadh would remain cancelled until October 31, 2026, inclusive. Services to and from Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah would remain suspended until October 27, inclusive. The extended cancellations are affecting air travel between India and Saudi Arabia as regional security concerns continue to disrupt operations. Passengers should check directly with their airline for the latest flight status and rebooking options before travelling to the airport.
According to the Indian Embassy’s advisory, the suspension schedule is as follows:
1) Riyadh: Flights cancelled through October 31, 2026.
2) Jeddah: Flights cancelled through October 27, 2026.
3) Dammam: Flights cancelled through October 27, 2026.
4) Madinah: Flights cancelled through October 27, 2026.
The dates are inclusive. Travellers should confirm any subsequent changes with IndiGo and review their booking notifications before making travel arrangements.
The disruption comes amid reported drone and missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and concerns about the safety of airports, energy facilities and other critical infrastructure. The Houthis, an Iran-backed movement in Yemen, have been involved in a prolonged conflict involving Saudi Arabia.
On Wednesday, an attack at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam killed an Indian national and injured two others, according to information cited in the source material. Another Indian national was reportedly injured in a separate incident at Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield the same day. These developments have added to concerns for Indian citizens and travellers in the kingdom.
IndiGo is not the only Indian carrier to have suspended services on Saudi routes. According to the information provided, Air India and Air India Express had suspended flights across their Saudi routes until October 24, while Akasa Air had extended its suspension until October 27.
Travellers booked on any of these airlines should verify their individual flight status, as schedules and resumption dates may change in response to the security situation.
The Indian mission had earlier advised Indian nationals requiring urgent departure to consider travelling through Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar, subject to securing the required visas and meeting transit conditions. Passengers considering an alternative route should confirm visa eligibility, transit rules, onward connections and flight availability before booking. An alternative route should not be treated as guaranteed travel clearance.
The disruption has also affected Indian Umrah pilgrims who are seeking to return home. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been coordinating with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the return of those whose travel plans have been disrupted. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah were in contact with airlines and tour operators to arrange the return of the remaining affected pilgrims as soon as possible.
The missions, supported by community volunteers are also providing welfare assistance and operating 24-hour control rooms to respond to the needs of Indian nationals. They have continued issuing advisories as the security situation evolves.
The Indian Embassy has urged members of the Indian community to remain vigilant and comply with instructions issued by Saudi authorities. In the event of an aerial attack, Indian nationals have been advised to move to a safe location inside a building. The mission has also cautioned against recording or circulating images and videos of interceptions or impact sites, warning that such activity may have legal consequences under Saudi law.
The source material also refers to an earlier attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on October 10 that reportedly killed an Indian national and injured several others, prompting further safety guidance from the embassy.
Saudi Arabia is home to approximately 2.74 million Indian nationals working across a range of sectors. With flight schedules affected and security advisories in place, Indian travellers are being urged to monitor official embassy communications, follow local instructions and confirm their flight arrangements directly with airlines.
The immediate outlook for affected passengers will depend on further security developments and any fresh announcements by the carriers or Indian diplomatic missions.
