IndiGo has extended Saudi Arabia flight cancellations following attacks on critical infrastructure. Indian missions are assisting affected travellers and urging nationals to follow safety advisories.Dubai,Oct 23, 2026 14:34 ISTIndian airline IndiGo has extended the cancellation of its flights to Saudi Arabia amid security concerns in the region, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed on Friday, according to news agency Press Trust of India.The extension comes amid escalating drone and missile strikes on Saudi airports, energy installations and other critical infrastructure.
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis have been involved in a prolonged campaign against the country.“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 follows an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on Wednesday that killed an Indian national and injured two others, PTI reported. Another Indian national was injured in a separate attack at Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oilfield on the same day.
Other Indian airlines have also extended similar flight suspensions. Air India and Air India Express have suspended flights on all Saudi Arabia routes until October 24, while Akasa Air has suspended flights on all routes 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 had said earlier.
The 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.Ministry 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, according to PTI.The missions, supported by community volunteers, are providing welfare assistance and have set up 24-hour control rooms to help Indian nationals. They are also issuing regular advisories because of the 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 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 during 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 about 2.74 million Indian nationals working across various sectors. With flight cancellations continuing and Indian nationals affected by recent attacks, the embassy and consulate are assisting travellers and pilgrims while advising the community to follow local safety instructions.With PTI Inputs- Ends