Direct answer: Air India and Air India Express have extended their suspension of flights to Saudi Arabia, with services to Riyadh and Dammam now cancelled until November 7, 2026, and flights to Jeddah suspended until October 31, 2026. IndiGo and Akasa Air have also extended their own Saudi cancellations, leaving several major India–Saudi routes grounded into November.
What has changed
Air India announced the extension on Saturday, October 25, 2026, in a post on X. The airline said the decision reflected “the prevailing situation in the region.” Its earlier suspension of Saudi services had run until October 24.
IndiGo and Akasa Air announced their extensions on Friday and Saturday. The three carriers together cover the busiest Indian routes to Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah, so the disruption affects thousands of travellers, including Umrah pilgrims travelling to Makkah.
Which flights are cancelled, and until when
| Airline | Routes suspended | Suspended until |
|---|---|---|
| Air India / Air India Express | Riyadh, Dammam | November 7, 2026 |
| Air India / Air India Express | Jeddah | October 31, 2026 |
| IndiGo | Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Madinah | October 31, 2026 |
| Akasa Air | Riyadh | November 30, 2026 |
| Akasa Air | Jeddah | November 10, 2026 |
IndiGo had first announced the Riyadh cancellation on Friday, then extended the Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah cancellations on Saturday after what it called a careful assessment. Akasa Air announced its extensions on Friday.
What passengers can do: refunds and free rebooking
Passengers holding confirmed bookings issued on or before October 24, 2026, can choose a flexible rebooking or a full refund if they cancel, Air India said.
Air India is also offering a one-time complimentary rebooking for affected travellers. Passengers booked to or from Riyadh and Dammam for travel up to November 7 can rebook to or from any operational Air India station in Saudi Arabia, subject to seat availability, for travel until November 21. For Jeddah, passengers with original travel dates up to October 31 can rebook for travel until November 14.
Air India Express is offering similar options, including alternative routes through its operational stations in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain, subject to availability. Passengers are advised to check their flight status with their airline before heading to the airport and to confirm refund eligibility directly with the carrier.
Help for Umrah pilgrims and stranded travellers
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has activated round-the-clock control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah to help Indian nationals affected by the disruption, particularly Umrah pilgrims. Working with Indian community associations and volunteers, the consulate is helping arrange food, essential medicines and other immediate relief.
The consulate is also coordinating with airlines on refunds, helping connect Umrah tour operators with carriers still operating flights to India, and working with Saudi authorities on visa extensions and delayed departures. Pilgrims facing accommodation or service problems have been advised to contact the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s Pilgrim Care Centre on 1966 from within Saudi Arabia and to share their case reference numbers with the consular control rooms for follow-up.
Why flights to Saudi Arabia are suspended
The suspensions follow escalating tensions in the region and attacks at airports in Saudi Arabia earlier in the week. Saudi authorities also issued alerts over a potential aerial threat in several areas, including Makkah, Jeddah, Yanbu and Taif, before later confirming that the danger had passed. The Saudi-led coalition said air defences intercepted two ballistic missiles aimed at Taif and Yanbu, according to news agency reports.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed the revised airline timelines in a statement on Saturday.
What happens next
The key dates to watch are October 31, when the Jeddah suspensions and IndiGo’s cancellations are due to end, and November 7, when Air India’s Riyadh and Dammam suspension expires. Akasa Air’s Riyadh suspension runs longest, until November 30. Airlines have said they will review the situation, and further extensions remain possible if the security situation does not improve. Travellers with bookings in November should monitor airline advisories closely, since rebooking windows and refund terms are tied to the original booking dates.
Timeline
- Earlier in the week: Attacks at Saudi airports and rising regional tensions disrupt India–Saudi air travel; airlines suspend services until October 24.
- Friday, October 24, 2026: Akasa Air extends Riyadh suspensions to November 30 and Jeddah to November 10; IndiGo cancels Riyadh flights until October 31.
- Saturday, October 25, 2026: Air India and Air India Express extend Riyadh and Dammam suspensions to November 7 and Jeddah to October 31; IndiGo extends Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah cancellations to October 31; Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirms the revised timelines; Jeddah consulate control rooms step up assistance for pilgrims.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Are Air India flights to Riyadh cancelled? A: Yes. Air India and Air India Express flights to and from Riyadh are suspended until November 7, 2026.
Q: Until when are flights to Jeddah suspended? A: Air India and Air India Express have suspended Jeddah services until October 31, 2026. IndiGo’s Jeddah flights are also cancelled until October 31, while Akasa Air’s Jeddah suspension runs until November 10.
Q: Can I get a refund for a cancelled Saudi flight? A: Passengers with confirmed bookings issued on or before October 24, 2026, can opt for flexible rebooking or a full refund on cancellation, according to Air India. Other airlines have announced similar relief; check with your carrier for its exact terms.
Q: What if I am an Umrah pilgrim stuck in Saudi Arabia? A: The Consulate General of India in Jeddah is running round-the-clock control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah, and pilgrims can contact the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s Pilgrim Care Centre on 1966 from within Saudi Arabia for accommodation and service issues.
Q: Which Indian airlines have suspended Saudi flights? A: Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Akasa Air have all extended suspensions on Saudi routes, with different end dates for Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah.
For now, the message for travellers is simple: check your flight status before travelling, know your rebooking window, and keep the consulate’s helplines in mind if you are already in Saudi Arabia. More updates on this story are available in our World section.