Saudi Arabia flight cancellations extended as IndiGo and Akasa Air suspend services until 24 October 2026

Indian carriers IndiGo and Akasa Air extended flight cancellations to Saudi Arabian cities until October 24. The decisions followed security concerns linked to rising hostilities in the region. Both airlines said they are tracking developments and informing passengers. Services were earlier halted after reported attacks at Riyadh airport.

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On Tuesday, IndiGo, Air India Express, Air India and Akasa Air said flights linked to Saudi Arabian cities were cancelled until October 17. The latest updates push the end date further for some routes. The moves come as tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthi group continue to increase.

IndiGo flights cancellation in Saudi Arabia extended

IndiGo said services to and from four Saudi cities will not operate through the extended period. The airline wrote: "Following a careful assessment of the evolving situation in Saudi Arabia, flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah stand cancelled until 24 October 2026 inclusive,\". IndiGo added that it is reaching customers directly.

The airline said updates are being shared using details given during ticket booking. IndiGo indicated that messages are being sent to impacted travellers as the situation changes. The carrier did not give a timeline for restarting these services beyond the stated cancellation window.

Akasa Air flights suspension in Saudi Arabia continues

Akasa Air said it has prolonged suspensions on two routes. The airline stated that all flights to and from Riyadh are suspended until October 24. It also said flights to and from Jeddah will remain suspended until October 21. Akasa Air added that it is reviewing developments as they occur.

Akasa Air said affected passengers can choose alternate options. Travellers may take a full refund, credited back to the original payment method within seven days. Passengers may also shift travel plans without paying extra charges. The airline linked these steps to the prevailing security situation.

Saudi Arabia flights impacted by Middle East security situation

Last week, airlines temporarily paused Riyadh services after reported attacks at the city’s airport. These incidents were linked to Houthi militants in reports. The conflict between the Iran-backed Houthi group and Saudi Arabia has intensified. The situation has included strikes involving armed drones and missiles.

For now, the extensions keep several India-Saudi air links disrupted into late October. IndiGo’s cancellations cover Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah through October 24. Akasa Air’s suspensions run to October 24 for Riyadh and October 21 for Jeddah. Other carriers had earlier cancellations until October 17.

With inputs from PTI