IndiGo extends cancellation of Saudi flights as regional tensions escalate: Indian mission

Image used for representational purposes only | Photo Credit: The Hindu Indian airline IndiGo has extended the suspension of its flights to and from Saudi Arabia amid escalating security concerns in the region, said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh on Friday (October 23, 2026). “IndiGo flights to and from Riyadh will remain cancelled until 31 October 2026 [inclusive], while flights to and from Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah will remain cancelled until 27 October 2026 [inclusive],” the mission said in a post on X.

The latest extension of flight cancellations follows a series of Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (October 21, 2026), including a strike on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam that killed an Indian national and injured two others, and a separate attack on Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield that injured another Indian national. #TravelAlert IndiGo flights to and from Riyadh will remain cancelled until 31 October 2026 (inclusive), while flights to and from Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah will remain cancelled until 27 October 2026 (inclusive).

— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) October 23, 2026 IndiGo joins Indian carriers that have already halted operations following a series of Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting key infrastructure. Air India and Air India Express have suspended services until October 24, while Akasa Air has extended its cancellations until October 27. .

"Indian nationals requiring urgent departure may consider transiting via Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar, subject to obtaining the necessary visas," the Indian mission said earlier. The flight disruptions have also affected Indian Umrah pilgrims, prompting the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate with airlines and tour operators to facilitate their early return.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah were engaging with airlines and tour operators to arrange the return of the remaining affected pilgrims at the earliest. The missions in Saudi Arabia have established 24-hour control rooms to help Indian nationals.

They are also issuing regular advisories in view of the prevailing security situation. An earlier attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on October 10 killed an Indian national and injured several others, prompting the Indian Embassy to issue safety advisories for the Indian community.

The embassy has urged Indian nationals to remain alert, follow instructions issued by Saudi authorities and move to a safe place inside a building in the event of an aerial attack. It has also warned them against filming or sharing images and videos of interceptions or impact sites, citing possible legal consequences under Saudi law.

Saudi Arabia is home to approximately 2.74 million Indian nationals, who work across various sectors and form an important link between the two countries. Published - October 23, 2026 11:33 pm IST