Air India and Indian carriers extend Saudi Arabia flight cancellations to Oct 24 amid safety alert

Indian airlines have extended the suspension of flight operations to Saudi Arabia until 24 October 2026, while the Indian Embassy in Riyadh has issued emergency safety advisories to protect Indian nationals following recent Houthi rebel drone and missile strikes in the kingdom.

The stepped-up safety protocols follow an attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on 10 October, which resulted in the death of an Indian national and injuries to several others. In response, Indian diplomatic missions and domestic carriers moved swiftly to safeguard the large Indian diaspora and workforce residing across the Gulf nation.

Emergency safety advisories for Indians in Saudi Arabia

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has directed all Indian residents to adhere strictly to emergency warnings issued through Saudi Arabia's National Early Warning Platform. When alerts sound, citizens are advised to remain calm, move immediately to interior rooms away from windows, and stay indoors until official clearance is given.

Those outdoors are advised to seek shelter behind solid structures, avoid standing on balconies or rooftops, and refrain from taking photographs or recording video footage of security incidents. Drivers should pull over safely away from bridges and high-rise buildings.

Emergency contacts for Indian nationals needing assistance:

• Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern Province: Call 911
• Rest of Saudi Arabia: Call 998

Airline suspensions and passenger relief options

Major Indian carriers have extended flight cancellations across key Saudi Arabian destinations, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, to maintain passenger safety while closely monitoring regional security developments.

Air India and Air India Express confirmed that passengers holding confirmed tickets issued on or before 15 October for travel between 9 October and 25 October qualify for a one-time waiver on change fees. Passengers can also opt for alternate departure points within the Gulf Cooperation Council region, including Dubai, Doha, Muscat, and Abu Dhabi.

Proactive diplomatic and travel support

The Ministry of External Affairs and Indian diplomatic representatives in the Gulf remain in constant contact with Saudi authorities to ensure the security and welfare of Indian expatriates. Airlines have positioned dedicated support teams at contact centres and GCC booking offices to assist travellers whose plans have been disrupted by the security situation.