Indian airlines suspend Saudi flights, few services halt until November 7

Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Akasa Air have extended flight suspensions to Saudi Arabia amid continuing security concerns, with some services cancelled until the end of November.

Air India and Air India Express have suspended flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam until November 7 and Jeddah until October 31. Affected passengers are being offered alternative travel arrangements or refunds.

“Guests holding confirmed bookings issued on or before 24 October 2026 may avail flexible rebooking options or opt for a full refund upon cancellation of their bookings,” the airlines said in a joint advisory on X.

Air India rebooking options

Air India is offering a one-time complimentary date change for eligible passengers whose bookings were made on or before October 24.

Passengers on Riyadh and Dammam routes with original travel dates up to November 7 can rebook to or from any operational Air India station in Saudi Arabia, subject to availability. Their alternative journey must be completed by November 21.

For Jeddah passengers with original travel dates up to October 31, alternative travel must be completed by November 14, subject to availability.

Air India Express alternatives through Bahrain

Air India Express is offering alternative routes through its operational stations in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Passengers booked on Riyadh and Dammam routes on or before October 24, with original travel dates up to November 7, can make a one-time complimentary change to an available service between India and any operational Air India Express station in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain.

Alternative travel must be completed by November 21.

Passengers booked on Jeddah routes with original travel dates up to October 31 can use a similar rebooking facility for journeys completed by November 14.

The airlines said dedicated teams were assisting passengers through city booking offices and call centres.

IndiGo and Akasa extend cancellations

IndiGo has cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until October 31, inclusive.

“Following a careful assessment, flights to and from Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah will also remain cancelled until 31 October 2026 (inclusive),” the airline said on X.

The announcement extended the suspension for those three cities from October 27. Riyadh services had already been cancelled until October 31.

IndiGo said passenger and crew safety remained its priority and that it was coordinating with the relevant authorities.

Akasa Air has suspended Jeddah services until November 10 and Riyadh services until November 30, according to a travel update issued on Friday.

Assistance for stranded pilgrims

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah is assisting affected Indian nationals, particularly Umrah pilgrims, through round-the-clock control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah.

With help from Indian community associations and volunteers, the consulate is arranging food, essential medicines and other immediate relief.

It is also contacting Indian airlines about refunds and connecting Indian Umrah tour operators with carriers continuing to operate flights to India.

Alternative arrangements depend on seat availability, applicable fares and individual airline guidelines.

The consulate urged passengers to remain in contact with their airlines, travel agents and Umrah service providers for rebooking and refund information. It said coordination was continuing to help stranded Indian nationals return home.