New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): Indian travellers flying to Saudi Arabia face continued disruption after Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Akasa Air extended the suspension of several services amid security concerns in the Middle East. The affected routes include flights connecting India with Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah.
Under the revised schedules, Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo have extended cancellations on specified Saudi routes until October 24, 2026. Akasa Air has suspended its Riyadh services until October 24, while flights to and from Jeddah remain suspended until October 21.
The airlines are monitoring developments in the region, with flight operations subject to security assessments. Passengers with upcoming bookings should check the latest updates from their airline before travelling to the airport.
Which Flights To Saudi Arabia Are Suspended?
The suspension dates vary by airline and destination:
- Air India: Flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam are suspended until October 24.
- Air India Express: Services connecting Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam remain suspended until October 24.
- IndiGo: Flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah have been cancelled through October 24, inclusive.
- Akasa Air: Riyadh flights are suspended until October 24, while Jeddah services remain cancelled until October 21.
These dates reflect the announced suspension periods and do not guarantee that services will resume immediately afterward. Passengers should confirm the status of their specific flight through official airline channels.
What Are The Refund And Rescheduling Options?
Air India and Air India Express are offering eligible passengers a one-time complimentary date change under their announced travel-relief measures.
Passengers with confirmed bookings issued on or before October 15, 2026, for travel between October 9 and October 25 can reschedule their journeys on the respective airline up to November 10 without paying a date-change fee. Passengers whose flights have been cancelled can also opt for a full refund if they decide not to travel.
IndiGo has said it is informing affected passengers through the contact details provided at the time of booking. Travellers who purchased tickets through travel agents or other booking partners should contact those providers for assistance with their bookings.
Akasa Air is offering affected passengers a choice between a full refund to the original payment method, to be processed within seven days, and rescheduling without additional charges. Passengers who booked through travel partners should approach them to process their requests.
Eligibility and processing conditions may vary, so travellers should confirm the applicable terms directly with their airline or booking provider.
Can Passengers Rebook Through Other Gulf Airports?
Eligible Air India and Air India Express passengers may be able to change their travel arrangements using alternative Gulf airports, subject to availability and the airlines’ conditions.
Air India has offered rebooking options involving Dubai and Doha. Air India Express has listed a wider set of alternative stations: Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Salalah and Sharjah.
Passengers choosing an alternative airport must arrange their own transport to that location. They should also check visa requirements, entry rules and onward travel arrangements before confirming a revised itinerary.
Travellers are advised not to make additional bookings or travel to another airport until the airline has confirmed the revised arrangements.
Why Have Airlines Extended The Suspensions?
The flight disruptions come amid heightened security concerns and escalating hostilities in the Middle East, including reports of drone and missile attacks targeting infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
Airlines are reviewing operational risks before deciding whether services can safely resume. The suspension timelines may be revised depending on the security situation and subsequent operational assessments.
For now, passengers travelling between India and Saudi Arabia should verify their flight status, review refund and rescheduling eligibility, and monitor official airline announcements. The October 24 date applies to several current suspensions, but it should not be treated as a confirmed restart date for every affected service.
