IndiGo, Akasa Air extend Saudi flight cancellations; Umrah pilgrims advised to review plans

IndiGo has cancelled flights to and from four Saudi cities until October 24, while Akasa Air has extended its suspension on services to Riyadh and Jeddah, as flight disruptions continue between India and Saudi Arabia.

IndiGo said in a travel advisory issued on Thursday, October 15, that flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah would remain cancelled until October 24, inclusive, citing the evolving situation in Saudi Arabia. Affected passengers are being informed through the contact details provided at the time of booking, while those who booked through travel agents have been asked to contact them for assistance.

The airline’s decision comes amid continuing disruption to air services between the two countries following the security situation, including the October 10 attack at Riyadh airport in which seven Indian nationals were injured.

Akasa Air has extended the suspension of its flights to and from Riyadh until October 24 and Jeddah until October 21, citing the prevailing security situation in the Middle East.

In a travel update issued on October 15, the airline said the decision was taken after assessing the evolving situation, with the safety of passengers and crew remaining its priority.

Passengers affected by the cancellations can either opt for a full refund, which will be credited to the original payment method within seven days, or reschedule their journey at no additional cost. Those who booked through travel partners have been advised to approach them directly for assistance.

According to an advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh on Thursday, flight operations remained suspended at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Services at Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah airports continued, though with some disruptions.

The embassy said Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air and IndiGo had suspended flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 17. Saudia continued scheduled services from Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah, while flynas operated flights on the Dammam–Lucknow route.

Indian nationals requiring urgent departure were advised to consider flights from neighbouring countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, subject to obtaining the necessary visas.

The embassy said the seven Indian nationals injured in the October 10 attack at Riyadh airport were undergoing treatment. Two were in the intensive care unit, one was in a high-dependency unit and three were in general wards, while one person was discharged on October 15.

Indian nationals have been urged to follow instructions from local authorities and remain indoors in the event of an aerial attack. The embassy also warned that filming, publishing or sharing information about missile and drone interceptions or their impact sites could attract legal liability under local rules.

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah said its teams in Jeddah and Makkah were assisting Indian nationals affected by the flight disruptions, particularly Umrah pilgrims.

The teams are responding to assistance requests, helping pilgrims access essential medicines where required, and coordinating with Indian community associations and volunteers to support affected passengers. The consulate said it was also in touch with airlines and local authorities to explore arrangements for stranded travellers to return home.

Its 24-hour control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah remain operational.

Indian nationals seeking assistance have been advised to keep their passport and visa details, airline and booking information, and contact details of their Saudi Umrah service provider and Indian travel agent ready. Those travelling in groups have been asked to share their current location and the contact details of their group coordinator.

The consulate also advised passengers to share personal information only through official assistance channels and not in public comments on social media.

In a separate advisory issued on October 15, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah urged Indian nationals planning to undertake Umrah in the coming days to take into account the ongoing flight disruptions, particularly through Jeddah and Madinah.

Travellers facing uncertainty over their arrangements have been advised to review their plans to avoid inconvenience caused by possible cancellations or an extended stay in Saudi Arabia.