International
oi-Ashish Rana
Flights to and from Saudi Arabia continue to face major disruptions as airlines extend cancellations amid rising security concerns in the Middle East. Indian airlines, including Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Akasa Air, have announced different suspension dates, leaving many passengers uncertain about their travel plans.
Amid rising Middle East security concerns, numerous airlines including Air India, IndiGo, Emirates, and Etihad have extended flight cancellations to Saudi Arabia until late October or later, significantly affecting services to major airports.
Riyadh is the worst-hit airport in Saudi Arabia. According to aviation data company Cirium, 552 of the 1,178 scheduled departures across the country were cancelled or did not operate on 15 October. This means nearly 47% of scheduled departures were affected.
Riyadh Airport Sees 81% Flight Disruptions
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh recorded the highest number of disruptions. Cirium data showed that 298 of the airport’s 366 scheduled departures were cancelled or did not operate on 15 October, affecting 81.4% of its schedule.
Dammam also faced major problems, with 45.8% of scheduled departures affected. Abha recorded 45.5% disruptions, while Jeddah was in a better position, with 22.6% of departures cancelled or not operating.
Saudi airlines have also been affected. Saudia recorded disruptions to 57.1% of its scheduled departures. The figures stood at 44% for Flynas and 45% for Flyadeal.
Air India, IndiGo Extend Saudi Flight Suspensions
Indian airlines have extended their flight suspensions to different dates as the situation continues to affect air travel.
Travel AdvisoryFollowing a careful assessment of the evolving situation in Saudi Arabia, flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah stand cancelled until 24 October 2026 (inclusive).Timely notifications are being sent to affected customers using the contact details provided at the time of booking.Customers who have booked through travel partners are requested to contact them directly for assistance.The safety and well-being of our customers and crew remain our highest priority.
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) October 15, 2026
Air India and Air India Express have suspended flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until 20 October. IndiGo has cancelled its flights to Saudi Arabia until 24 October.
#TravelAdvisory In view of the evolving situation in Saudi Arabia, all Air India flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah stand cancelled until 20 October 2026. We are closely monitoring developments and continuously assessing the situation to ensure the safe resumption of operations.Passengers affected by these cancellations are being offered a full refund. At Air India, the safety and security of our passengers and crew remain the highest priority.
— Air India (@airindia) October 16, 2026
Akasa Air has suspended flights to and from Riyadh until 24 October. Its services to and from Jeddah will remain suspended until 21 October.
#TravelUpdate: October 15, 2026 | 20:00 IST In view of the prevailing security situation in the Middle East, Akasa Air has extended the suspension of all flights to and from Riyadh until October 24, 2026, and Jeddah until October 21, 2026. This decision follows a careful assessment of the evolving situation, with safety remaining our primary consideration. We continue to closely monitor developments and assess the situation in real time. Passengers affected by these cancellations may opt for a full refund, which will be credited to the original source of payment within seven days, or reschedule their travel at no additional cost. Passengers who have booked through travel partners are requested to contact them directly for assistance. The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority.
— Akasa Air (@AkasaAir) October 15, 2026
The latest changes come after an Indian national died during an attack at Riyadh airport on 10 October, according to the information provided in the initial report.
Passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia have been advised to check their flight status with their airline before leaving for the airport.
Emirates, Etihad And Other Airlines Cancel Flights
Several airlines from the UAE and other Gulf countries have also changed their schedules.
Emirates has cancelled services connecting Dubai with Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. Etihad Airways has cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, as well as Abu Dhabi and Dammam, through 18 October. Some Abu Dhabi-Jeddah services have also been cancelled.
flydubai has suspended flights to several Saudi cities, including Riyadh, Dammam and Abha. However, some services to Jeddah, Madinah, Tabuk and Gassim continue to operate.
Air Arabia has cancelled flights on several routes connecting Sharjah with Saudi Arabia. Qatar Airways has also suspended flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam.
The restrictions vary by airline and destination, so passengers should confirm their flight details before travelling.
International Airlines Extend Flight Cancellations
The disruption has also affected international airlines operating flights to Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern destinations.
Philippine Airlines has suspended its Riyadh services until 29 November. Air France-KLM has extended restrictions on Riyadh flights through October, while Cathay Pacific has delayed the return of its Dubai and Riyadh services until 31 January, 2027.
Delta has delayed its Atlanta-Riyadh flights until March 2027. Malaysia Airlines has cancelled flights to and from Madinah and Jeddah until 17 October.
Some airlines are bringing back services to the UAE, but the recovery remains slow on several routes. Airlines continue to review their schedules based on security concerns, airspace restrictions and operational conditions.
Passengers should check official airline websites and airport updates for the latest information. Those whose flights have been cancelled should contact their airline or travel agent to ask about rebooking or refunds.
