India-Saudi Flights: Akasa Extends Jeddah and Riyadh Ban

Air travel between India and Saudi Arabia continues to face disruption amid heightened security concerns in the kingdom, with Akasa Air extending the suspension of its flights to Jeddah and Riyadh. The airline has suspended Jeddah services until November 18 and Riyadh services until November 30, 2026, while Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo have also halted several Saudi Arabia services until November 14.

The flight disruptions follow attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including airports and energy facilities. The situation has affected Indian expatriates, travellers and Umrah pilgrims, prompting Indian diplomatic missions to issue safety advisories and coordinate assistance for those facing travel difficulties.

While Indian airlines have extended or maintained restrictions on selected routes, some Saudi carriers continue to operate flights between the two countries. Passengers have been advised to check directly with airlines before travelling to airports.

Akasa Air Extends Suspension of Jeddah and Riyadh Flights

Akasa Air announced on Sunday that it would continue suspending its services to Jeddah until November 18 and Riyadh until November 30. The extension means passengers booked on the affected routes may need to make alternative travel arrangements or check with the airline for updated information.

The decision comes amid continuing uncertainty over the regional security situation and its impact on aviation operations. The airline’s announcement also extends the disruption beyond the suspension period announced by other Indian carriers.

Air India and Air India Express had announced two days earlier that flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam would remain suspended until November 14. IndiGo has also suspended services to several Saudi destinations until the same date.

The different suspension deadlines mean that passengers should check the status of their specific flight rather than assume that all India-Saudi services will resume on the same day.

Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo Also Suspend Saudi Services

Several Indian airlines have restricted operations to Saudi Arabia as security concerns continue to affect the region. Air India and Air India Express have suspended flights connecting India with Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam until November 14.

IndiGo has also suspended services to several destinations in Saudi Arabia until November 14. Akasa Air’s latest announcement sets separate deadlines for its Jeddah and Riyadh routes, with the Riyadh suspension currently extending to the end of November.

These dates reflect the suspension periods announced in the available updates and may change depending on security assessments and airline decisions. Passengers should rely on the latest communication from their respective carriers for flight-specific information.

Attacks on Saudi Airports and Critical Infrastructure Raise Security Concerns

The disruption to air travel follows attacks targeting civilian and critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including airports and energy facilities. These developments have raised concerns about the safety of passengers, aviation operations and people living in affected areas.

In a statement issued on October 22, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said an Indian national was killed and two others were injured in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on October 21, according to Press Trust of India.

The Embassy also reported that another Indian national was injured in an attack on Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oil field in the Eastern Province. It said it was in contact with Saudi authorities and would provide all possible assistance to the affected Indian nationals.

India had earlier condemned attacks on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. It maintained that targeting civilian infrastructure was unacceptable.

The incidents have added to concerns about the security environment in the kingdom and the risks associated with operating flights through affected areas.

Houthi Rebels Claim Responsibility for Several Attacks

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for several attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia, including airports and energy infrastructure. The group has carried out missile and drone attacks against the kingdom amid the wider regional conflict.

Attacks involving airports and other critical facilities can have consequences beyond the immediate locations targeted. Airlines may review routes, suspend services or change schedules as part of safety assessments, while authorities may introduce additional security measures.

The current flight suspensions reflect the impact of the security situation on commercial aviation between India and Saudi Arabia. However, the available announcements do not establish a single resumption date for all affected routes.

Indian Embassy Issues Safety Advisory for Nationals in Saudi Arabia

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has urged Indian nationals to remain calm and vigilant while following instructions issued by local authorities. Its advisories include precautions for people during air attacks and guidance on handling information related to the security situation.

Indian nationals have been advised to:

• Remain calm and stay alert to official security announcements.
• Stay indoors during an air attack and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
• Avoid circulating or reposting videos and news related to the developments.
• Follow updates and safety guidance issued by the Indian Embassy and Saudi authorities.

The Embassy has also said it is coordinating with Saudi authorities to assist Indian nationals affected by the attacks. The diplomatic mission’s response includes support for those who have suffered injuries or other difficulties because of the incidents.

Indian Consulate in Jeddah Helps Umrah Pilgrims and Stranded Travellers

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has been coordinating with airlines, local authorities and community organisations to help Indian nationals affected by the flight disruptions.

Particular attention is being given to Umrah pilgrims, who may face difficulties returning to India because of cancelled or suspended services. The consulate is working with relevant organisations to explore alternative travel arrangements and provide assistance to affected passengers.

Saudi Arabia is a major destination for Indians travelling to perform Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken outside the annual Hajj period. Flight cancellations can therefore affect not only expatriate workers and business travellers but also pilgrims whose return journeys depend on scheduled airline services.

India also has a large expatriate community in Saudi Arabia. For many Indian nationals living and working in the kingdom, air travel is an important connection with their families and home cities. Prolonged disruptions can create difficulties for people planning urgent or routine journeys.

Saudi Airlines Continue Some Flights to India

Despite the suspensions announced by Indian carriers, Saudi airlines continue to operate some flights between Saudi Arabia and India. The Indian Embassy had earlier stated that limited operations had resumed at Riyadh airport, including India-bound services operated by flynas.

Saudi carriers were also operating flights from Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah to India, according to the Embassy’s earlier update.

The continuation of some services means that air connectivity between the two countries has not come to a complete halt. However, available flights and operating schedules may vary depending on the airline, destination and prevailing security conditions.

Passengers should not assume that the operation of flights by one carrier means services by another airline are also available. They should confirm the status of their booking and check for any changes before beginning their journey.

What Passengers Travelling Between India and Saudi Arabia Should Know

Passengers with bookings on affected routes should contact their airlines or check official flight-status updates before travelling to the airport. Those whose flights have been suspended should seek information about available alternatives, rescheduling options and applicable refund arrangements directly from their carriers.

Umrah pilgrims and Indian expatriates facing travel difficulties can also follow advisories from the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah. These missions are coordinating with airlines and local organisations to assist affected nationals.

The situation remains subject to change as airlines assess security conditions and decide whether to resume or extend suspended services. For now, Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo have announced suspensions affecting several Saudi destinations until November 14, while Akasa Air’s Jeddah services remain suspended until November 18 and Riyadh services until November 30.

The latest developments underline the impact of regional security concerns on India-Saudi air connectivity, with thousands of travellers potentially needing to adjust their plans. Passengers are advised to rely on official airline announcements and diplomatic advisories for the latest information.