NEW DELHI: Indian airline IndiGo has announced an extension of its flight cancellations to and from Saudi Arabia, citing ongoing security concerns in the region. The decision, confirmed by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, impacts travel schedules for passengers and pilgrims.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that IndiGo flights to and from Riyadh will now remain cancelled up to October 31, 2026. Similarly, services to and from Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah will be suspended until October 27, 2026. This extension follows a series of security incidents affecting Saudi Arabian infrastructure.
The flight disruptions are linked to escalating drone and missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s airports, energy facilities, and other critical infrastructure. These incidents have been attributed to Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement, which has been engaged in a protracted conflict. The latest extension comes in the wake of a recent attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, which resulted in the death of one Indian national and injuries to two others. Another Indian national was injured on the same day in an attack on Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield.
Other Indian carriers have also implemented similar suspensions of flights connecting to Saudi Arabia. Air India and Air India Express have extended their flight cancellations on all routes until October 24, while Akasa Air has suspended its services until October 27. These measures are aimed at ensuring the safety of passengers and crew amidst the volatile security situation.
The Indian mission in Riyadh has advised Indian nationals requiring urgent travel to consider alternative routes, suggesting transit via Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar, provided they obtain the necessary visas. The ongoing flight cancellations have also significantly affected Indian pilgrims undertaking Umrah, leading the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to coordinate with airlines and tour operators to expedite their return to India.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are actively engaging with airlines and tour operators to arrange the earliest possible return for the remaining affected pilgrims. These missions, with the support of community volunteers, are providing essential welfare assistance and have established 24-hour control rooms to support Indian nationals. Regular advisories are being issued to keep the community informed about the prevailing security conditions.
The security situation has been a growing concern. An earlier attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on October 10 resulted in the death of an Indian national and injuries to several others. This incident prompted the Indian Embassy to issue safety advisories for the Indian community residing in the Kingdom.
The embassy has urged all Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain vigilant, adhere to instructions from Saudi authorities, and seek safe shelter within buildings in the event of an aerial attack. They have also been cautioned against filming or sharing images and videos of interception sites or impact zones, due to potential legal repercussions under Saudi law.
Saudi Arabia is home to a significant Indian diaspora, estimated at approximately 2.74 million nationals who contribute to various sectors of the Saudi economy. This large expatriate population underscores the importance of ensuring their safety and well-being.
The Chenab Times News Desk