Indian Airlines Extend Saudi Flight Suspensions Until Oct 24
Major Indian air carriers have officially extended the suspension of flights to and from several key cities in Saudi Arabia until October 24. The decision follows a significant security breach at a major Saudi Arabian airport that has disrupted regional travel and raised safety concerns.
The operational halt affects several prominent airlines, including Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and Akasa. The suspended routes include flights connecting to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam.
Security Crisis at King Khalid International Airport
The suspension is a direct response to a security incident that occurred on October 10, 2026, at King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) in Riyadh. The attack, which was claimed by Houthi forces, resulted in a tragic loss of life and widespread injuries.
Official reports confirm that 13 people were killed during the incident, including one Indian national, Mohammed Yousuf Ali from Hyderabad. Hundreds of others sustained injuries during the attack, prompting airlines to reassess the safety of their flight operations in the region.
Rebooking Policies and Alternative Routes
To assist passengers caught in the disruption, airlines have implemented flexible rebooking measures. Travelers are encouraged to check their specific flight status and utilize the following options:
- Free Date Changes: Passengers with bookings made prior to October 15 for travel scheduled between October 9 and October 25 are eligible for a one-time free date change, valid for travel up to November 10.
- Alternative Hubs: Air India is facilitating travel through regional hubs such as Dubai and Doha.
- Broader Alternatives: Air India Express has also outlined various rebooking options to help passengers reach their destinations via different routes.
Some travelers are reportedly exploring alternative transit routes through Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar to bypass the affected Saudi Arabian airports.
Embassy Safety Advisories for Expats and Pilgrims
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has issued urgent safety warnings to the large Indian community residing in the kingdom, as well as to Umrah pilgrims. The embassy has advised all citizens to:
- Remain indoors during active security alerts.
- Exercise extreme caution in public spaces.
- Strictly avoid filming or documenting security incidents, as this can pose a risk to personal safety.
To support those affected, the embassy has established dedicated control rooms and activated emergency helplines to assist pilgrims and expatriates navigating the current travel crisis.
Experts suggest that these disruptions are linked to broader regional tensions. Travelers are strongly advised to monitor official communications from their respective airlines and embassy updates continuously.