IndiGo has extended the suspension of its flights to and from Saudi Arabia amid rising regional security concerns. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh announced that flights to Riyadh will be halted until October 31, 2026, while services to Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah will remain suspended until October 27, 2026.
This decision follows a series of Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia, including a deadly strike on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on October 21, 2026. The attack resulted in the death of an Indian national and injuries to two others. Additionally, a separate assault on Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield injured another Indian national.
In response to the escalating violence, other Indian carriers have also suspended operations. Air India and Air India Express have ceased flights until October 24, while Akasa Air has extended its cancellations until October 27. The Indian mission in Saudi Arabia has advised nationals requiring urgent departure to consider alternative transit options.
The flight disruptions have significantly impacted Indian Umrah pilgrims. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is actively coordinating with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the early return of affected pilgrims. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are working to arrange the return of the remaining pilgrims as soon as possible.
To assist Indian nationals, the missions in Saudi Arabia have established 24-hour control rooms. They are issuing regular advisories to keep the community informed of the security situation. An earlier attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on October 10, which also resulted in the death of an Indian national, prompted the Indian Embassy to issue safety advisories.
The embassy has urged Indian nationals to remain vigilant, adhere to instructions from Saudi authorities, and seek shelter inside buildings during aerial attacks. They have also warned against filming or sharing images of interceptions or impact sites, citing potential legal repercussions under Saudi law.
Saudi Arabia hosts approximately 2.74 million Indian nationals, who contribute significantly to the workforce across various sectors. This community forms a vital link between India and Saudi Arabia, making the current security situation a matter of concern for both nations.
