Amid escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, Indian airline IndiGo has announced suspension of services to Saudi Arabia. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed on Friday.
“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 extension comes amid escalating drone and missile strikes targeting Saudi Arabia’s airports. In the latest attack on Wednesday, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam was attacked, where two people, including one Indian national, were killed and two others were injured. An Indian national was injured in a separate attack at Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield on the same day.
Other Indian carriers have also extended similar suspensions of flights to and from Saudi Arabia. Air India and Air India Express have suspended flights until October 24, while Akasa has suspended flights until October 27 on all routes heading towards Saudi Arabia.
“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 Ministry of External Affairs, in an attempt to help stranded Indian Umrah pilgrims affected by the flight disruptions, has decided to coordinate with airlines and tour operators to facilitate their return.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are engaging with airlines and tour operators to arrange the return of the remaining affected passengers and pilgrims at the earliest. The missions, supported by community volunteers, are providing medical assistance and have established a 24-hour control room to help stranded Indian nationals. The embassy has urged Indian citizens to remain vigilant, follow instructions given by the Saudi authorities, and move to a safer place inside a building in the event of an attack. It has also warned them against sharing or filming images or videos of interceptions or impact sites, citing possible legal consequences under Saudi law.