IndiGo Cancels Riyadh Flights Until October 31, Other Saudi Services Until October 27

Indian airline IndiGo has extended the cancellation of flights to Saudi Arabia amid heightened security concerns in the region, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said on Friday. In a post on X, the embassy said IndiGo flights to and from Riyadh would remain cancelled until October 31, inclusive, while services to and from Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah would remain suspended until October 27.

The disruptions follow a series of drone and missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia's airports, energy installations and critical infrastructure. An attack at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on Wednesday killed an Indian national and injured two others. Another Indian national was injured in a separate attack at Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oilfield the same day.

Other Indian carriers have also suspended services to the country. Air India and Air India Express have halted flights on all routes until October 24, while Akasa Air has suspended operations 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, prompting the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to coordinate with airlines and tour operators to facilitate their early return.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah were working with airlines and tour operators to arrange the return of the remaining affected pilgrims. The missions, assisted by community volunteers, are providing welfare support and operating 24-hour control rooms for Indian nationals.

An earlier attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on October 10 also killed an Indian national and injured several others. The embassy has urged Indians to remain vigilant, follow Saudi authorities' instructions and seek shelter inside buildings during aerial attacks. It has also warned against filming or sharing footage of interceptions and impact sites, citing possible legal consequences under Saudi law.

Saudi Arabia is home to approximately 2.74 million Indian nationals, employed across various sectors.