IndiGo has extended the cancellation of flights connecting India with several Saudi Arabian cities amid heightened security concerns across the region. The airline announced that services to and from Riyadh would remain suspended until October 31, 2026, while flights connecting India with Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah would remain cancelled through October 27.
The decision follows a series of security incidents involving Saudi Arabia's airports and critical infrastructure. The disruptions have affected international travellers, Indian workers and Umrah pilgrims who depend on regular air connections between the two countries.
Passengers scheduled to travel on the affected routes have been advised to check their flight status before leaving for the airport and monitor further announcements from the airline.
IndiGo Announces Different Suspension Periods
According to the updated travel advisory issued on October 23, IndiGo has set different cancellation deadlines depending on the destination.
Flights to and from Riyadh will remain cancelled until October 31, inclusive. Services to Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah will remain suspended until October 27, inclusive.
The airline said it was closely monitoring developments and coordinating with the relevant authorities before making further operational decisions. It also stated that the safety of passengers and crew remained its primary consideration.
Customers affected by the cancellations are being notified through the contact details provided when they booked their tickets. Travellers have been advised to verify their bookings and confirm the latest flight information before travelling to the airport.
The dates represent the announced suspension periods and do not guarantee that services will resume immediately afterwards. Any extension or resumption will depend on subsequent assessments and official updates.
Security Incidents Raise Concerns Across Saudi Arabia
The latest extension follows an attack at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on October 21. According to reports, the incident killed an Indian national and injured two other Indian nationals.
A separate attack at Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oilfield on the same day reportedly injured another Indian national.
The incidents have heightened concerns about the safety of civilian infrastructure and international travel in the region. Yemen's Houthi movement has been involved in a prolonged campaign against Saudi Arabia, although responsibility for individual incidents must be assessed using verified information.
The changing security situation has prompted airlines to review their operations and take precautionary measures on routes connecting India with Saudi Arabia.
Other Indian Airlines Also Adjust Services
IndiGo is not the only airline to have changed its schedule amid the security concerns.
Air India and Air India Express have announced temporary suspensions of flights to Saudi Arabia through October 24. Akasa Air has also adjusted its services, with separate suspension periods announced for destinations including Riyadh and Jeddah.
These decisions have reduced available travel options for passengers moving between India and Saudi Arabia.
Airlines may revise their schedules as new security assessments become available. Travellers should therefore rely on the latest information for their specific flight rather than assume that all routes will reopen on the same date.
Umrah Pilgrims and Indian Residents Affected
The cancellations have also created difficulties for Indian Umrah pilgrims who are trying to return home. The Ministry of External Affairs has been coordinating with airlines, tour operators and Indian diplomatic missions to help affected travellers arrange their journeys.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah have been providing assistance to Indian nationals and operating round-the-clock control rooms. Community volunteers have also been helping people affected by the disruptions.
Indian authorities have advised nationals who need to leave Saudi Arabia urgently to consider alternative transit routes through Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar, subject to the required visas and entry permissions.
What Passengers Should Do Next
Passengers with bookings on affected routes should check their flight status directly with the airline and confirm whether their journey has been cancelled, rescheduled or otherwise changed.
Those whose flights are affected should contact the airline or their booking agent to understand the available options, including refunds or alternative travel arrangements where applicable.
The situation remains subject to change as airlines continue monitoring regional developments. The next announcements will determine when regular services can safely resume on the affected routes.
For now, the extended suspensions underline how security incidents in West Asia can disrupt international aviation and complicate travel plans for thousands of passengers.
