For thousands of Indian travelers planning journeys to Saudi Arabia, October 2026 has become a month of uncertainty and disruption. The cancellation of flights by major Indian carriers has left pilgrims, business travelers, and families scrambling to find alternatives or refunds, all while security concerns ripple through the region following Houthi attacks.
The situation began when Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabian airports created immediate safety concerns for civilian air traffic. These attacks prompted swift responses from airlines operating routes to Saudi Arabia. The security situation has evolved, with Indian carriers making decisions about flight operations based on assessments of risk to passengers and crew.
IndiGo extends Saudi Arabia flight cancellations; Riyadh services suspended till Oct 31 https://t.co/ezSeQeaGHb
On October 23, IndiGo extended its flight cancellations to Saudi Arabia, providing clearer timelines for when travelers might expect service to resume. The airline announced that flights to Riyadh would remain canceled until October 31, 2026, while services to Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah would be suspended until October 27, 2026. This extension reflected the airline's assessment of the security situation.
This coordinated response among Indian carriers indicates the seriousness with which the security concerns are being taken across the industry.
IndiGo was not alone in its decision to suspend flights. Other major Indian carriers, including Air India and Akasa Air, implemented similar measures. Air India and Air India Express have also suspended flights to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam until October 24, 2026. This coordinated response among Indian carriers indicates the seriousness with which the security concerns are being taken across the industry.
IndiGo Extends Flight Cancellations to Saudi Arabia Amid Security Concerns https://t.co/xxbOmMROxv
As travelers faced mounting uncertainty, Indian missions in Saudi Arabia and back home in India began working to assist affected nationals. The Ministry of External Affairs stepped up coordination efforts, working directly with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the return of affected Indian nationals. Indian missions issued advisories urging travelers to follow safety guidelines and provided assistance to those stranded.
Among those most affected by the flight cancellations are Indian Muslims planning to undertake the Umrah pilgrimage. The suspension of flights to these holy cities has created significant challenges for pilgrims who had made plans and arrangements well in advance. For many, the cancellations have not only disrupted their spiritual journeys but also created financial and logistical complications.
STORY | IndiGo extends cancellation of flights to Saudi Arabia: Indian mission Indian airline IndiGo has extended the cancellation of its flights to Saudi Arabia amid security concerns in the region, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed on Friday. “IndiGo flights to and from Riyadh will remain cancelled until 31 October 2026 (inclusive), while flights to and from Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah will remain cancelled until 27 October 2026 (inclusive),” the mission said in a post on X. The flight disruptions come amid escalating drone and missile strikes targeting Saudi Arabia's airports, energy installations and other critical infrastructure, with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis having been involved in a prolonged campaign against the country. The latest extension of flight cancellations comes after an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on Wednesday killed an Indian national and injured two others. Another Indian national was injured in a separate attack at Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oilfield on the same day. Other Indian carriers have also earlier extended similar suspensions of flights to and from Saudi Arabia. Air India and Air India Express have suspended flights until October 24 on all routes, while Akasa Air has suspended flights until October 27 on all routes. "Indian nationals requiring urgent departure may consider transiting via Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar, subject to obtaining the necessary visas," the Indian mission said earlier. READ: https://t.co/ib7CPlZQ9b
As the cancellation dates approach, travelers with affected flights are advised to monitor their flight status closely through official channels. Airlines have been offering options for rebooking on alternative routes or providing refunds for canceled services. The situation remains fluid, with all parties watching developments in the region to determine when it might be safe to resume normal flight operations to Saudi Arabia.