Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo have extended flight suspensions on several routes connecting India with Saudi Arabia amid the prevailing security situation in the region.
The disruptions have affected travel plans, including those of Indian Umrah pilgrims, prompting the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to facilitate assistance and alternative travel arrangements.
Air India suspends flights until November 7
Air India announced on Saturday, October 24, that flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam would remain suspended until Saturday, November 7, 2026, while services connecting Jeddah would remain suspended until Saturday, October 31.
Passengers with confirmed bookings issued on or before October 24 can opt for a full refund upon cancellation or use the airline’s flexible rebooking options.
Eligible passengers originally scheduled to travel to or from Riyadh and Dammam by November 7 can rebook once without a fee for travel until Saturday, November 21. For Jeddah routes, the facility applies to passengers with original travel dates up to October 31, allowing alternative travel until Saturday, November 14. Both options are subject to availability and apply to operational Air India stations in Saudi Arabia.
Air India Express is offering a similar one-time complimentary rebooking facility for eligible passengers travelling between India and Saudi Arabia or Bahrain. For Riyadh and Dammam routes, the original travel date must be on or before November 7, with rebooking available for travel until November 21. For Jeddah routes, the original travel date must be on or before October 31, with rebooking permitted until November 14.
IndiGo cancels flights to four Saudi cities
IndiGo said flights to and from Riyadh would remain cancelled until October 31. Services connecting Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah have also been cancelled until October 31, according to its revised advisory issued on October 24.
The airline had previously announced cancellations on these three routes until Tuesday, October 27. It said it was monitoring the security situation in coordination with the relevant authorities and advised passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport.
Indian Consulate assists stranded Umrah pilgrims
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah said it was assisting Indian nationals affected by the disruptions through its 24-hour control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah, with support from community organisations and volunteers.
In an advisory dated October 24, the Consulate said it was helping affected nationals access food, essential medicines and other immediate necessities. It was also coordinating with Saudi authorities and airlines over visa validity, delayed departures and refund-related concerns.
Umrah pilgrims facing accommodation or other service difficulties during extended stays can contact Saudi Arabia’s Pilgrim Care Centre on 1966 to register their concerns and obtain a case reference number. They should also remain in contact with their Umrah service providers.
The Consulate is connecting Indian Umrah tour operators with airlines continuing to operate flights to India to explore alternative travel options. These arrangements depend on seat availability, applicable fares and airline requirements.
Affected passengers requiring consular assistance can contact the Consulate’s 24-hour control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah. The Consulate said it was continuing to coordinate with authorities and airlines to facilitate their return to India.
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