Saudi Arabia Flight Update: Indian Airlines Extend Suspensions Until October 27.
Saudi Arabia flight prohibitions extended by Air India, IndiGo, and Aksa Air. Check alternate flights, airport status, and diplomatic contact information.
Several Indian airlines have extended flight suspensions to Saudi Arabia due to persistent security concerns, while Riyadh International Airport remains closed. Indian nationals wishing to return home still have choices through Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina, despite ongoing difficulties.
The Embassy of India in Riyadh advised Indian nationals on October 18 to take measures and check flight availability before traveling. Here are the most recent airline suspensions, alternate routes, and contact information for Indians in Saudi Arabia.
Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo have extended their suspension of flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 24, 2026, on all routes.
Indian travelers having bookings during this time can contact their respective airlines to inquire about rebooking, refunds, and alternative travel options. Do not presume that a previous booking confirmation guaranties the flight's operation.
2. Akasa Air Extends Suspension until October 27
Akasa Air has prolonged its suspension of all Saudi Arabia services until October 27, 2026, three days longer than the suspension declared by the other Indian carriers.
Passengers booked on Akasa Air should check the airline's most recent advisory before heading to the airport to confirm the options available for affected tickets.
3. Saudia continues flights to India from three airports.
According to an advisory from the Indian Embassy, Saudia continues to operate regular flights to India from Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina.
These services may offer an alternative for Indian nationals who wish to return home. However, travelers should contact Saudia directly to confirm their exact flight status, as airport operations do not guaranty that every booked flight will fly.
4. Flynas operates flights from Dammam to Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow.
Flynas is conducting select trips from Dammam to Indian destinations, providing an alternative for passengers impacted by Indian airline restrictions.
The Embassy's advise includes the following services:
Dammam to Delhi flights are scheduled from October 17 to October 24.
Dammam to Mumbai flights are scheduled from October 17 to October 24.
Dammam to Lucknow: Regular services continue.
Passengers should double-check operating dates and available seats before making plans, especially for travel close to October 24.
5. Flyadeal lists Dammam-Mumbai flights.
Flyadeal's listed alternative is a Dammam-Mumbai service with flights on October 17 and 18.
As these dates have gone, travelers wanting to depart after October 18 should contact Flyadeal directly for any subsequent services rather than relying on the dates listed in the Embassy's warning.6. Riyadh Airport remains closed, but three other airports operate.
Riyadh International Airport is blocked to flight operations, whereas Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina airports are still operational, albeit occasional difficulties persist.
This distinction is important for Indian passengers. A flight departing from a functioning airport may still experience delays or cancelations, so passengers should confirm both the airport's status and their airline's departure information before leaving for the airport.
7. Indians may consider transit through Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar.
Indian nationals in need of an urgent departure might consider traveling through Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar, provided they secure the requisite transit permits.
However, an alternative route is only effective if connecting flights are available and the traveler meets the transit or admission requirements. Before purchasing a separate ticket, check the visa requirements, onward connections, and airline terms and restrictions.
8. Umrah travelers should reconsider their immediate travel plans.
Indians wanting to visit Saudi Arabia, including for Umrah, should be prepared for ongoing airport problems and potential cancelations.
If flights are canceled or return services become unavailable, passengers may have to stay for an extended time. Those who have not yet departed should contact their airline and travel provider before beginning their journey.
Travunited Take:
We recommend that you confirm each flight directly with the airline before you travel. With Indian carriers halted and Riyadh closed, alternate departures are still viable, but flexibility is critical.
