IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, and Akasa Air pulled the plug on all services connecting Indian cities to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, suspending operations until October 17. The decision follows a sharp escalation in hostilities involving Iran-backed Houthi militants, who have launched armed drone and missile attacks on Saudi territories, including the Riyadh airport. This isn't the first time these carriers have paused operations in the region—last week, they temporarily halted services to Riyadh after the initial strikes hit the city's aviation infrastructure. But the extension to October 17 signals a deeper assessment of the risk to crew and passenger safety.
IndiGo stated on X that flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah are cancelled until the 17th. The carrier noted it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the region. Air India Express issued a similar statement, confirming cancellations for Dammam, Jeddah, and Riyadh, while emphasizing that affected guests are being offered complimentary rescheduling or full refunds. For travelers, this means significant disruption. A family planning a Umrah pilgrimage or a business executive with a deadline in Jeddah now faces a two-week wait or a refund.
Air India said it is assessing developments to resume safe operations, extending the suspension to the same four cities. The airline also confirmed full refunds for cancellations. Akasa Air framed its decision as a matter of safety, citing the escalating security situation in the Middle East and the associated risks to flight operations. "This decision follows a careful assessment of the evolving situation, with safety remaining the primary consideration," Akasa Air said in a post on X. The carrier added that it continues to monitor developments in real time.
The Houthi attacks have intensified in recent days, turning the Gulf into a high-risk zone for commercial aviation. The strikes at Riyadh airport last week marked a significant escalation, prompting immediate safety reviews by Indian carriers. While no specific flight was hit, the proximity of the attacks to operational hubs has forced airlines to prioritize safety over schedules. Passengers are being urged to check their flight status directly with the carriers.
The next step is clear: all four airlines will reassess the situation as October 17 approaches. If the Houthi attacks continue or intensify, the suspension could be extended further. For now, the focus is on managing the backlog of affected passengers and ensuring a safe resumption of services once the security environment stabilizes.