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India’s aviation sector has been affected by rising security concerns in the Middle East. Indian airline IndiGo has extended the cancellation of its flights to and from Saudi Arabia following escalating regional tensions and attacks on critical infrastructure. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed the revised cancellation schedule on October 23, 2026. The decision reflects the growing importance of passenger safety amid an uncertain security situation. The suspension has also affected Indian nationals working in Saudi Arabia and pilgrims travelling for Umrah.
Details of the Flight Cancellations
Flights to Riyadh Suspended Until October 31
According to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, IndiGo flights to and from Riyadh will remain cancelled until October 31, 2026, inclusive. The extended suspension means passengers travelling on this route will need to reconsider their travel plans.
Services to Three Other Cities Suspended Until October 27
Flights connecting India with Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah will remain cancelled until October 27, 2026, inclusive.
The different deadlines reflect the airline’s assessment of the evolving situation across its Saudi Arabian routes. Passengers have been advised to check their flight status through official airline channels before leaving for the airport.
Reasons Behind the Suspension
Rising Regional Security Concerns
The cancellations come amid escalating drone and missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s airports, energy installations and other critical infrastructure. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement has been involved in a prolonged campaign against Saudi Arabia.
The deteriorating security environment has raised concerns about the safety of civil aviation and the possibility of further disruptions to commercial air travel.
Attack on Dammam Airport
The latest extension followed an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on October 21, 2026. According to reports, the incident killed an Indian national and injured two other people.
Another Indian national was injured in a separate attack at Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield on the same day. These incidents have highlighted the risks faced by Indian citizens in the region and increased the urgency of travel and safety advisories.
Impact on Other Indian Airlines
Air India and Air India Express
IndiGo is not the only Indian airline affected by the situation. Air India and Air India Express had also suspended flights to and from Saudi Arabia through October 24, 2026, according to reports available on October 23.
Akasa Air Extends Its Suspension
Akasa Air has also extended its flight suspensions. Reports indicate that services to and from Jeddah have been suspended until November 10, while flights connecting Riyadh remain suspended until November 30.
These differing schedules demonstrate how airlines are adjusting their operations according to their individual assessments of the security situation.
Impact on Indian Nationals and Umrah Pilgrims
Difficulties for Travellers
The flight disruptions have created difficulties for Indian workers, business travellers, tourists and religious pilgrims. Passengers with confirmed bookings may need to change their travel dates or explore alternative routes.
The disruptions are particularly significant for Umrah pilgrims, many of whom depend on scheduled flights to return to India after completing their religious journey.
Government Assistance for Stranded Passengers
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is coordinating with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the return of affected Indian pilgrims.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah were working to arrange the earliest possible return of the remaining affected pilgrims.
Indian diplomatic missions, supported by community volunteers, have also established 24-hour control rooms to provide assistance and issue regular safety advisories.
Safety Advisory for Indians in Saudi Arabia
Follow Official Instructions
The Indian Embassy has advised Indian nationals to remain alert, follow instructions issued by Saudi authorities and seek shelter inside a building if an aerial attack occurs.
Citizens should monitor official announcements and avoid unnecessary travel to areas where security risks are elevated.
Avoid Recording Attack Sites
The embassy has also warned Indian nationals against filming or sharing photographs and videos of missile interceptions and attack sites. Such activities may attract legal consequences under Saudi law.
Indians requiring urgent departure may consider alternative transit routes through Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar, provided they obtain the necessary visas and confirm onward travel arrangements.
Economic and Diplomatic Significance
Saudi Arabia is home to approximately 2.74 million Indian nationals who work across various sectors. The Indian community contributes significantly to economic and people-to-people relations between the two countries.
Prolonged flight disruptions could affect business travel, tourism, religious travel and the movement of workers. They also highlight the importance of cooperation between India, Saudi Arabia, airlines and diplomatic missions during regional emergencies.
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Conclusion
IndiGo’s decision to extend flight cancellations to Saudi Arabia reflects the seriousness of the prevailing security concerns. Flights to Riyadh remain suspended until October 31, while services to Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah are cancelled until October 27, 2026.
The immediate priority is to protect passengers and provide assistance to affected Indian nationals. Travellers should verify their bookings, follow official advisories and avoid relying on unconfirmed information. The resumption of normal flight operations will depend on future security assessments and the ability of airlines to operate safely. The situation underlines the need for continued diplomatic coordination and effective emergency support for Indians abroad.
