Amidst the rapidly deteriorating geopolitical situation and security threats in West Asia, Indian aviation companies have taken a major decision regarding flights to and from Saudi Arabia. Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Akasa Air have canceled all their scheduled flights to Riyadh after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeted King Khalid International Airport and other facilities in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh with drone and missile attacks. Canceled with immediate effect till 10 October 2026 Have done. This step has been taken, giving top priority to the safety of passengers and crew members, after the Houthi rebels declared Saudi airspace a ‘target zone’ of military action and gave an open warning to global airlines.
The seriousness of security can be gauged from the fact that Air India’s regular flight (AI2243), which departed from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport for Riyadh, was emergency diverted back to Delhi over the Arabian Sea. The aircraft returned to Delhi safely and all passengers on board were deboarded safely. Similarly, an IndiGo flight from Hyderabad to Riyadh was diverted and landed at Dammam airport after an alert was issued in Saudi airspace. Soon after, airlines imposed a complete ban on operating flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi and Kannur to Riyadh till October 10.
The sudden cancellation of flights has created a crisis for thousands of NRIs working in Gulf countries and travelers planning essential travel. However, the airlines have clarified that the affected passengers will not be allowed to suffer any financial loss.
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Full Refund: Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Akasa Air have announced that 100% full refund will be given to passengers without any cancellation charge on tickets for flights canceled till October 10.
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Free Re-Scheduling: Passengers who wish to extend their journey are also being provided the option to reschedule their tickets (Free Date Change) once for the next available dates.
Airlines have requested passengers to check live flight status by visiting their airline’s customer care or official website before leaving for the airport.
Keeping in mind the safety of millions of Indian citizens present in Saudi Arabia, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh has issued a high-level advisory. The Embassy has appealed to all Indian expatriates living in Saudi Arabia to exercise utmost caution, avoid non-essential travels and strictly follow the guidelines issued by local Saudi security authorities. Along with this, the Embassy has also activated special helpline numbers and control rooms working 24 hours a day for any emergency or assistance.
Due to this attack on major airports of Saudi Arabia and tension in the airspace, not only Indian airlines but many global airlines have either canceled more than 300 flights to and from Riyadh or are changing their routes and operating them through safe routes. Airlines’ fuel costs are increasing due to closure of airspace and long detours. At the same time, the increasing tension in West Asia has also directly affected the international oil market, due to which a rise in the prices of crude oil (Brent Crude) has been recorded. Aviation security agencies will conduct a comprehensive review of the situation on October 10, only after which a final decision on resuming regular flights to Saudi Arabia will be taken.