India's flight services suspended amid security concerns in Saudi Arabia

Due to the current security situation in Saudi Arabia, disruptions in flight services between India and Saudi Arabia continue. Akasa Air announced on Sunday, 1 November 2026, that it would extend its services to Jeddah until 18 November. Along with this, flights to and from Riyadh will remain suspended until 30 November, the airline stated.

This announcement came two days after the announcements made by Air India and Air India Express. These airlines had spoken about suspending their services to Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam until 14 November. Other airlines including IndiGo have also suspended services to various destinations in Saudi Arabia until 14 November. However, Saudi Airlines continues to operate some flights to India.

According to a report by The Hindu, these flight disruptions have continued due to attacks taking place on citizens and critical infrastructure, including airports, in Saudi Arabia. On 22 October, the Indian Embassy based in Riyadh stated in a release that an Indian national was killed and two others were injured in an attack that took place on 21 October at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Apart from this, an Indian national was also injured in an attack that took place on Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oil field in the Eastern Province.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for several attacks on Saudi targets, including airports and energy infrastructure. This group has carried out missile and drone attacks on the state amid the regional conflict. India condemned the attacks targeting Abha International Airport and Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and stated that such attacks on civilian infrastructure are unacceptable.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has stated that they are in touch with Saudi authorities and will provide all possible assistance to the affected Indians. The embassy has urged Indian nationals to remain calm and vigilant. Instructions have also been given to stay indoors in the event of an aerial attack and to follow the instructions issued by local authorities. The embassy has also requested that videos or news regarding ongoing developments should not be circulated or re-posted.

India's Consul General in Jeddah is coordinating with airlines, local authorities and community organizations to assist affected Indian nationals, especially Umrah pilgrims, and make alternative travel arrangements. The Indian Embassy had earlier stated that limited operations have resumed at Riyadh Airport, which includes flynas services towards India, while Saudi Airlines is operating flights from Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah. Passengers have been advised to check their flight schedules with the airlines before travelling. There is a large number of Indian expatriates in Saudi Arabia and it is also a major destination for Indian pilgrims travelling for Umrah.