Saudi-Houthi crisis: IndiGo cancels flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah

IndiGo and Akasa Air have extended the suspension of flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 17, 2026, citing the evolving security situation in the Middle East.

IndiGo said flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah would remain cancelled until October 17. In a travel advisory, the airline said it was sharing timely updates through the contact details provided at the time of booking. It added that its support teams were available to assist passengers. "Your safety and well-being remain our top priority. We are in constant coordination with the relevant authorities to ensure safe operations," IndiGo said.

Akasa Air also extended the suspension of all flights to and from Riyadh and Jeddah until October 17, citing the escalating security situation in the Middle East and the associated risks to safe flight operations. In its October 13 advisory, the airline said affected passengers could opt for a full refund, which would be credited to the original source of payment within seven days, or reschedule their travel at no additional cost. Passengers who booked through travel partners were advised to contact them directly for assistance. "The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority," Akasa Air said.

This comes as one person was killed and 11 others injured in a fresh attack on Riyadh's international airport on Sunday. On Saturday, a strike claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels killed 13 people and injured more than 300. Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen said an unidentified projectile struck Terminal 4 of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, triggering a fire.

Saudi air defences also intercepted a cruise missile near the airport, destroyed a drone in the Eastern Province and intercepted a ballistic missile fired towards Khamis Mushait. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority confirmed a strike on Dammam airport late Sunday, adding that damage assessments and safety inspections were under way. The escalation has raised concerns over regional aviation, global oil supplies and shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime route linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he was considering joining Saudi strikes against the Houthis and planned to speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.