Indian airlines cancel flights to Saudi Arabian cities till Oct 17

Air India issued a notice on Monday stating that all scheduled flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah will be suspended until October 17. The airline said the decision was taken after a careful review of the security situation in the region and the safety of its passengers and crew. Travelers who had already booked tickets were offered refunds or the option to rebook on alternative routes through other Indian carriers. The suspension affects both inbound and outbound services, leaving many business and leisure travelers to seek other means of reaching Saudi Arabia.

The move comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following recent diplomatic and military developments that have raised concerns about airspace safety. Indian authorities, including the Ministry of Civil Aviation, have been closely monitoring the situation and have advised airlines to prioritize passenger security. In a statement, the ministry emphasized that any decision to suspend or resume flights will be based on a thorough assessment of risk factors and coordination with Saudi aviation officials. Airlines across the country are reviewing their schedules to minimize disruption for passengers.

Passengers affected by the suspension are being urged to check the airline’s website for the latest updates and to contact customer service for assistance. Travel agencies have reported a surge in inquiries about alternative routes through the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, where connections to Saudi cities remain operational. Industry analysts predict that the temporary halt could lead to a short‑term dip in passenger volumes but expect demand to recover once the security environment stabilizes. The airline has pledged to keep the public informed as the situation evolves.