Indian airlines cancel flights to Saudi Arabian cities till Oct 17
Major Indian airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air have suspended flights to Saudi Arabian cities until October 17 due to escalating security risks. The decision follows recent attacks in the region, including incidents at the Riyadh airport.
Why it matters
The suspension of air travel highlights the impact of regional geopolitical instability on international commerce and passenger safety.
IndiGo, Air India Express, Air India, and Akasa Air on Tuesday (October 13, 2026) announced cancelling flights connecting Saudi Arabian cities till October 17 in view of the evolving situation in the Gulf country.
There have been attacks in Saudi Arabia, including at the Riyadh airport, in recent days.
IndiGo, in a post on X on Tuesday (October 13, 2026), said that due to the evolving situation in Saudi Arabia, flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah stand cancelled until October 17.
"In view of the evolving situation in the region, we have cancelled flights to and from Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh until 17 October. Affected guests are being offered complimentary rescheduling or a full refund on cancellation. We continue to monitor the situation closely," Air India Express said in a statement.
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