New Delhi, October 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Airline operations to the Gulf region remain disrupted despite the resumption of services at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport late last week, with several flights cancelled amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following Houthi missile and drone attacks.
Indian travellers heading to Gulf destinations and Western countries are facing schedule disruptions as airlines reduce services or alter flight routes due to security concerns.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its advisory warning airlines against flying over parts of the Gulf, including waters around the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar, until at least November 16.
The warning applies to European Union airlines as well as non-EU carriers authorised to operate flights to, from or within the EU.
“The possible use of missiles, drones, combat aircraft and air-defence systems creates a high risk to civil flights at all altitudes and flight levels within the concerned airspace,” EASA said.
In response to the security risks, several international carriers have suspended services to affected destinations or altered their flight paths to avoid Iranian, Iraqi, Israeli and Gulf airspace.
Air India and Air India Express have suspended flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam until October 24. The Tata Group airlines have advised affected passengers to check the latest advisories for refund and rebooking arrangements.
The airlines said they were monitoring the situation before deciding when to resume services.
Low-cost carrier IndiGo has also cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until October 24.
Passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia have been advised to verify their flight status before leaving for the airport, as the suspensions could affect both outbound and return journeys.
Akasa Air has suspended flights to Riyadh until October 24 and services to Jeddah until October 21. Passengers with affected bookings have been advised to check the airline’s latest cancellation notices and available alternatives.
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