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If you're planning to fly to Saudi Arabia anytime soon, you may want to reevaluate your travel plans – because IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India have suspended several flights to and from the kingdom until October 17, 2026, amid what they deem escalating regional tensions.
The disruption will affect several major destinations in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, with IndiGo also cancelling flights to Medina. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has echoed the airlines’ announcements in posts on X, confirming IndiGo’s cancellations across four destinations and Akasa Air’s extended suspension of services to Riyadh and Jeddah.
In other words, you might want to put those Saudi Arabia travel plans on hold. And maybe, until next week. Approximately 2.46 million to 2.75 million Indian nationals live and work in Saudi Arabia, according to data from India's Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh – so the impact of these cancellations could extend beyond holidaymakers to the millions of Indians who live and work in the kingdom, potentially disrupting travel plans for those heading home or returning to Saudi Arabia.
Which airlines have cancelled flights?
IndiGo
In a travel advisory posted on X, IndiGo confirmed that flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah would remain cancelled until October 17, citing the evolving security situation in Saudi Arabia. The airline has urged passengers to check their flight status on its official website before setting off for the airport.
Updates are being sent to passengers and customer support teams are available to assist those affected.
Akasa Air
Akasa Air has extended the suspension of flights to and from Riyadh and Jeddah until October 17, citing the escalating security situation in the Middle East and the associated risks to safe flight operations.
The silver lining here is that the affected passengers can choose between a full refund, credited to their original payment method within seven days, or rescheduling their journey at no additional cost. Travellers who booked through third-party travel partners should contact them directly for assistance.
Air India
Air India has also cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until October 17. Passengers affected by the cancellations are being offered full refunds.
Why are Indian airlines suspending flights to Saudi Arabia?
The flight suspensions come amid a worrying escalation in regional tensions, particularly following the October 10 attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. According to the report, the death toll rose to 13 after the Embassy confirmed the death of an Indian national who had been injured in the incident. Officials from the Indian Embassy attended the funeral service of Indian national Mohammed Yousef Ali, who died following the attack on Riyadh airport.
The Houthis have also issued a broad warning urging international airlines, foreign workers and commercial travellers to avoid Saudi aviation hubs, declaring Saudi airspace unsafe while making an exception for the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
With security concerns continuing to affect aviation across the region, travellers should keep an eye on official airline advisories, verify their flight status before leaving home, and contact their travel agent about refunds and rebooking options.
For now, the best travel accessory might just be a little flexibility.