Air India and Air India Express have announced the suspension of flights to and from key Saudi Arabian cities amid the evolving security situation in the region. Both the carriers have cancelled services to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam until October 20.
In a post on X, Air India said it was closely monitoring developments in Saudi Arabia and assessing the situation to determine when operations could safely resume. The airline said affected passengers would be offered a full refund.
“Passengers affected by these cancellations are being offered a full refund. At Air India, the safety and security of our passengers and crew remain the highest priority,” it wrote.
In view of the evolving situation in Saudi Arabia, all Air India flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah stand cancelled until 20 October 2026. We are closely monitoring developments and continuously assessing the situation to ensure the safe resumption of operations.
Passengers affected by these cancellations are being offered a full refund. At Air India, the safety and security of our passengers and crew remain the highest priority.
#TravelAdvisory
— Air India Newsroom (@AirIndia_News) October 16, 2026
Air India Express also advised passengers to check their flight status on its official website and ensure their contact details were up to date. The airline said it was providing assistance to affected guests, including complimentary rescheduling or a full refund, as applicable.
https://t.co/wpMQhhspY0
— Air India Express (@AirIndiaX) October 16, 2026
IndiGo, Akasa Air also extend flight suspensions
IndiGo has cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until October 24 (inclusive). The airline said affected passengers were being notified using the contact details provided at the time of booking. Customers who booked through travel partners were advised to contact them directly for assistance.
Travel Advisory
Following a careful assessment of the evolving situation in Saudi Arabia, flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah stand cancelled until 24 October 2026 (inclusive).
Timely notifications are being sent to affected customers using the contact details provided at the time of booking.
Customers who have booked through travel partners are requested to contact them directly for assistance.
The safety and well-being of our customers and crew remain our highest priority.
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) October 15, 2026
Akasa Air has extended the suspension of flights to and from Riyadh until October 24 and Jeddah until October 21. According to its October 15 travel advisory, affected passengers can opt for a full refund to the original payment method, to be credited within seven days, or reschedule their travel without additional charges.
“This decision follows a careful assessment of the evolving situation, with safety remaining our primary consideration,” the airline said. Passengers who booked through travel partners have been asked to contact them directly.
The airlines said they were continuing to monitor the situation, with passenger and crew safety remaining their priority.
#TravelUpdate: October 15, 2026 | 20:00 IST
In view of the prevailing security situation in the Middle East, Akasa Air has extended the suspension of all flights to and from Riyadh until October 24, 2026, and Jeddah until October 21, 2026.
This decision follows a careful assessment of the evolving situation, with safety remaining our primary consideration.
We continue to closely monitor developments and assess the situation in real time.
Passengers affected by these cancellations may opt for a full refund, which will be credited to the original source of payment within seven days, or reschedule their travel at no additional cost. Passengers who have booked through travel partners are requested to contact them directly for assistance.
The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority.
— Akasa Air (@AkasaAir) October 15, 2026
Indian Embassy warned citizens
The flight suspensions come amid heightened tensions in the region and continued security concerns. On October 15, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh issued an advisory urging Indian nationals to follow local authorities’ instructions and remain indoors in the event of an aerial attack.
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➡️ In view of the prevailing situation, Indian nationals are reminded to continue following instructions issued by local authorities and stay indoors in case of aerial attack.
➡️ Filming, publishing, or sharing information related to countering missiles and drones and their impact sites exposes the individual to legal liability, as per local rules.
➡️ Among the Indian nationals injured in Riyadh airport attack on 10 October, 2 are in ICU, 1 in HDU (High Dependency Unit), and 3 are in normal ward, while 1 person was discharged today.
➡️ Flight operations remain suspended at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Flight operations at Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina airports continue, with some disruptions.
➡️ Indian carriers (Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and IndiGo Airlines) have suspended flights to and from Saudi Arabia until Oct 17, 2026.
➡️ Saudia airlines continues to operate scheduled flights from Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina. Flynas is operating scheduled flights on the Dammam–Lucknow sector.
➡️ Indian nationals requiring urgent departure from Saudi Arabia may consider flights from neighbouring countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. However, the concerned individual/s would be responsible for obtaining the necessary visas to enter these countries.
➡️ Indian nationals planning to travel to Saudi Arabia, including for Umrah, are advised to be aware of the possibility of flight disruptions at short notice between India and Saudi Arabia due to the prevailing situation.
➡️ This advisory is issued in continuation of the previous advisories issued by the Embassy in recent days.
@MEAIndia @DDNewslive @CGIJeddah
— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) October 15, 2026
It also warned that filming, publishing or sharing information about missile and drone interceptions or their impact sites could lead to legal liability under Saudi laws. According to the advisory, two Indian nationals remain in the ICU, one has been shifted to the High Dependency Unit (HDU), and four are in normal hospital wards, while one has been discharged.
