IndiGo Extends Saudi Flight Cancellations Amid Regional Tensions, Indian Mission Advises Nationals

Indian airline IndiGo has extended the suspension of its flights to and from Saudi Arabia, citing escalating security concerns in the region. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed this development on Friday, October 23, 2026.

According to the Indian mission's post on X, IndiGo flights to and from Riyadh are cancelled until October 31, 2026, inclusive. Flights connecting Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah will remain cancelled until October 27, 2026, inclusive.

These flight disruptions occur amid a series of missile and drone attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis (Ansar Allah). Targets have included the Saudi Ministry of Defence in Riyadh, Dammam Airport, and other critical infrastructure, as part of the group's prolonged campaign against Saudi Arabia.

Recent attacks on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, included a strike on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, which tragically killed one Indian national and injured two others. A separate attack on Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield on the same day resulted in injuries to another Indian national.

Other Indian carriers have also adjusted their schedules. Air India and Air India Express have suspended services until October 24, while Akasa Air has extended its cancellations until October 27. The Indian mission has advised Indian nationals requiring urgent departure to consider transiting via Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar, noting that necessary visas would be required.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is coordinating with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the early return of affected Indian Umrah pilgrims. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are actively engaging with relevant parties to arrange their return.

Both missions in Saudi Arabia, supported by community volunteers, are providing welfare assistance and have established 24-hour control rooms for Indian nationals. They are also issuing regular advisories in light of the prevailing security situation.

An earlier attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on October 10 had also resulted in the death of an Indian national and injuries to several others, prompting initial safety advisories from the Indian Embassy. The embassy has urged the approximately 2.74 million Indian nationals residing in Saudi Arabia to remain alert, adhere to instructions from Saudi authorities, and seek shelter inside buildings during aerial attacks. It has also warned against filming or sharing images/videos of interceptions or impact sites, citing potential legal consequences under Saudi law.

What to watch: Developments in regional security and further advisories from the Indian mission.

Editor's note: The draft comprehensively covers the flight cancellations, security incidents, and official advisories detailed in the source text.