IndiGo has announced an extension of its flight cancellations to Saudi Arabia due to ongoing security concerns in the region. This decision was confirmed by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh on Friday, The cancellations are a response to a series of escalating drone and missile strikes targeting Saudi airports and critical infrastructure, primarily attributed to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis.

According to the embassy’s announcement, flights to and from Riyadh will remain cancelled until 31 October 2026, while those to and from Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah will be suspended until 27 October 2026. The embassy’s post on X highlighted the seriousness of the situation, indicating that the safety of passengers is the primary concern.

This extension follows a recent attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, which resulted in the death of an Indian national and injuries to two others. Another Indian national was reportedly injured in a separate incident at Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield on the same day, further underscoring the heightened security risks in the region.

Other Airlines Follow Suit

In light of the ongoing security threats, other Indian airlines have also opted to extend their flight suspensions to Saudi Arabia. Air India and Air India Express have halted all flights to the country until 24 October, while Akasa Air has suspended its services until 27 October. These measures reflect a growing concern for the safety of passengers travelling to and from Saudi Arabia.

The Indian Embassy has advised nationals requiring urgent travel to consider transiting through Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar, provided they can obtain the necessary visas. This recommendation aims to assist those needing to leave the region amid the current turmoil.

The disruptions in flight services have significantly impacted Indian Umrah pilgrims, prompting the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate with airlines and tour operators to facilitate their return. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are actively engaging with relevant stakeholders to arrange the swift return of affected pilgrims.

Support for Affected Nationals

In response to the ongoing situation, the Indian Embassy and consulate have mobilised community volunteers to provide welfare assistance to Indian nationals affected by the flight cancellations and recent attacks. They have established 24-hour control rooms to assist travellers and pilgrims, ensuring that those in need receive timely support.

Regular advisories are being issued by the embassy, urging Indian nationals to remain vigilant and adhere to safety instructions from Saudi authorities. The embassy has specifically advised individuals to seek shelter inside buildings during aerial attacks and has cautioned against filming or sharing images of such incidents, as this could lead to legal repercussions under Saudi law.

Saudi Arabia is home to approximately 2.74 million Indian nationals working across various sectors. With the ongoing flight cancellations and the impact of recent attacks, the embassy and consulate are committed to assisting travellers while emphasising the importance of following local safety guidelines. The situation remains fluid, and the Indian community is encouraged to stay informed and prepared.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share