IndiGo, a prominent Indian airline, has announced the cancellation of all its flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 17, 2026. This decision impacts services to major cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah, as the region faces an escalating security situation.
Reasons for Cancellations
The airline's advisory follows renewed Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, which led to the closure of Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. Saudi authorities extended the airport's closure through 21:00 GMT on October 17, 2026, impacting both domestic and international air traffic. The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting multiple ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh and Khamis Mushait over the weekend, prompting significant security concerns.
Affected Routes and Passenger Advisory
Passengers who had booked flights on these routes are strongly advised against traveling to the airport without first confirming their flight status. IndiGo is sending updates to passengers via the contact details provided during booking. The airline has urged travelers to monitor official IndiGo communication for the latest changes and to check their flight status on the airline's website.
While IndiGo has not yet publicly detailed rebooking or refund options, passengers can seek assistance through the airline’s official support channels. The carrier has affirmed its commitment to passenger safety and is coordinating closely with relevant authorities to ensure secure operations.
Other Airlines Also Affected
IndiGo is not the sole carrier impacted by the volatile situation. Other Indian airlines, including Air India, Air India Express, and Akasa Air, have also suspended or canceled services on various Saudi Arabian routes. Akasa Air, for instance, has extended its flight suspensions to Saudi Arabia until October 17, 2026, aligning with the broader aviation advisories. International carriers such as Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Qatar Airways have similarly adjusted some of their Saudi flight schedules.
What Travelers Should Do:
- Check the IndiGo flight status page at goindigo.in/check-flight-status.html before heading to the airport.
- Monitor SMS, email, and app notifications for updates.
- Keep booking references readily available when contacting airline support.
- Avoid making non-refundable onward travel arrangements until your flight is confirmed.
The situation remains fluid, and any further extensions or restorations of services will depend on improvements in security conditions and the reopening schedule for Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport.