DUBAI, October 23: IndiGo has extended the cancellation of its flights to Saudi Arabia amid continuing security concerns in the region, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said on Friday.
In a post on X, the Indian mission announced that IndiGo flights to and from Riyadh would remain cancelled until October 31, 2026, inclusive. Services connecting India with Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah will remain suspended until October 27.
The disruption comes amid escalating drone and missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s airports, energy facilities and other critical infrastructure.
The latest extension follows an attack at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on Wednesday that reportedly killed an Indian national and injured two others. Another Indian national was injured in a separate attack at Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield on the same day.
Other Indian airlines have also extended their flight suspensions. Air India and Air India Express have suspended services on all routes to and from Saudi Arabia until October 24, while Akasa Air has extended its suspension until October 27.
The Indian mission had earlier advised nationals requiring urgent departure to consider travelling through Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar, subject to obtaining the necessary visas.
The flight disruptions have also affected Indian Umrah pilgrims. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is coordinating with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the return of those stranded.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah were working to arrange the earliest possible return of the remaining affected pilgrims.
The two missions, supported by community volunteers, are providing assistance to Indian nationals and have established round-the-clock control rooms. They are also issuing regular advisories in view of the prevailing security situation.
The embassy has urged Indian nationals to remain vigilant, follow instructions from Saudi authorities and seek shelter inside buildings in the event of an aerial attack. It has also cautioned people against filming or sharing images and videos of interceptions or impact sites, warning that such activities could have legal consequences under Saudi law.
Saudi Arabia is home to approximately 2.74 million Indian nationals working across various sector
