New Delhi, October 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian airlines have extended flight suspensions to several Saudi Arabian cities amid an evolving security situation in the region, with Air India and Air India Express cancelling services to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam until October 20, while IndiGo and Akasa Air have announced separate suspension timelines.
The cancellations could affect passengers travelling between India and Saudi Arabia over the coming days. Airlines have announced refund and rescheduling options for affected travellers and advised passengers to verify flight status before leaving for the airport.
Air India said all its flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah would remain cancelled until October 20, 2026, citing the evolving situation in Saudi Arabia. The airline said passengers affected by the cancellations were being offered full refunds.
“The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain the highest priority,” Air India said in a travel advisory posted on X.
Air India Express has also extended the suspension of services to and from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam until October 20. The airline said it was monitoring developments and would review its operations as necessary.
Affected Air India Express passengers can opt for complimentary rescheduling or a full refund on cancellation, the airline said, adding that its teams were providing assistance to impacted travellers.
Meanwhile, IndiGo announced on Thursday that flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah would remain cancelled until October 24 following an assessment of the prevailing situation.
Akasa Air has separately extended the suspension of flights to and from Riyadh until October 24 and Jeddah until October 21. The airline said affected passengers could choose between a full refund and complimentary rescheduling.
The different deadlines mean passengers should check the advisories issued by their respective airlines rather than assume that all services will resume on the same date.
Airlines have reiterated that passenger and crew safety remains their primary consideration and said further operational decisions would depend on developments in the region.
Travellers have been advised to check their flight status before departure and ensure that their contact details registered with the airline are up to date so they can receive schedule changes and other important notifications.
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