Indian airlines have pushed back the return of their Saudi Arabia services. Air India and Air India Express now say flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam are suspended until 7 November, and Jeddah services until 31 October. Both had earlier paused Saudi operations only until 24 October. IndiGo has extended cancellations on its Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah flights to 31 October, in line with its Riyadh pause, after first listing 27 October for those three cities. Akasa Air’s earlier dates still stand: Riyadh flights are off until 30 November and Jeddah flights until 10 November. The airlines point to regional security concerns after attacks on airport infrastructure in the Gulf.

Why it matters

Saudi Arabia is one of the busiest air corridors for Indian travellers, from workers and families living in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam to Umrah pilgrims heading to Makkah and Madinah. With dates now differing by airline and by city, a ticket on one carrier may be cancelled while a similar flight on another is due to resume within days. Anyone with plans in the next few weeks, especially to Riyadh and Dammam, faces the most uncertainty.

Air India says passengers holding confirmed bookings issued on or before 24 October can choose a flexible rebooking or a full refund if their flight is cancelled. According to Travel Trade Journal, Air India and Air India Express are offering one free change, for travel up to 21 November on Riyadh and Dammam bookings and up to 14 November on Jeddah bookings, subject to seat availability.

What you can do

  • Check your airline’s travel advisory and booking status before leaving for the airport. Dates have been revised several times in a week, and further extensions are possible.
  • If your flight falls inside a suspension window, compare the rebooking and refund options before choosing. A free date change can be worth more than a refund if fares on other routes have risen.
  • If you are travelling with a pilgrimage or tour operator, confirm revised plans with them directly, as package dates may not match airline dates.
  • Keep receipts for any extra costs, and check whether your travel insurance covers cancellations caused by airline suspensions.
  • Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia can follow updates from the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah.

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