Flying to Saudi Arabia? IndiGo Extends Cancellations After Airport Attacks

Travellers planning to fly between India and Saudi Arabia may need to change their travel plans after IndiGo extended the cancellation of several flights amid growing security concerns following attacks on airports in the Gulf country.

In its latest travel advisory issued on October 23, IndiGo said flights to and from Riyadh will remain cancelled until October 31, 2026, while services connecting Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah will remain suspended until October 27, 2026.

The decision follows a series of security incidents involving Saudi airport infrastructure. An attack at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on October 21 caused damage and casualties, adding to concerns after earlier attacks around Riyadh.

The continuing disruption could affect Indian passengers travelling for work, family visits, business and religious purposes, including Umrah. Travellers with existing bookings should check their flight status before leaving for the airport and look for messages from their airline.

IndiGo has said it is monitoring the situation and coordinating with the relevant authorities. The airline has also said that affected customers are being notified through the contact details provided at the time of booking.

Here is what passengers need to know about the latest cancellation dates, the airport attacks and the steps to take if their journey is affected.

IndiGo Saudi Arabia Flight Cancellations: Latest Update

IndiGo has announced different cancellation deadlines for flights connecting four Saudi cities.

These dates are inclusive, according to the reported travel advisory.

The airline has not said that all flights will automatically resume immediately after these dates. The situation remains dependent on security assessments and operational decisions.

Passengers should therefore treat these dates as the current suspension deadlines, not as a guarantee that every route will restart the following day.

Why Has IndiGo Extended the Cancellations?

The airline's decision follows an evolving security situation in Saudi Arabia and concerns about airport safety.

Saudi airports have faced attacks and security incidents during the recent escalation of hostilities involving Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi group and Saudi Arabia. Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport had already faced disruption, while a separate attack at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on October 21 raised further concerns.

Airlines have been reviewing their operations as the situation changes. IndiGo said it was monitoring developments and coordinating with the relevant authorities before deciding when services could safely resume.

The decision is a precautionary measure affecting scheduled services on the named routes. It does not mean that every airport in Saudi Arabia is closed or that every airline is operating under the same cancellation schedule.

What Happened at Dammam Airport?

King Fahd International Airport in Dammam became a focus of concern after an attack on October 21.

Reports said the incident caused damage at the airport and resulted in deaths and injuries. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh also reported a fatality involving an Indian national during the wider security incidents and said injured Indian nationals were receiving assistance.

Authorities have not publicly confirmed every detail about responsibility for the Dammam attack. It is therefore important not to attribute the incident to a particular group without reliable confirmation.

The attack added to concerns following earlier strikes and threats involving Saudi airport infrastructure. These developments have created uncertainty for airlines and passengers, especially those travelling on routes connecting India with Saudi Arabia.

Is Riyadh Airport Open?

Airport operations have been affected by the recent security situation, and Riyadh has faced significant disruption.

Associated Press reported that Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport partially reopened to domestic traffic after a period of closure. However, this does not mean that IndiGo's international services to and from Riyadh have resumed.

IndiGo's latest advisory says its flights connecting Riyadh remain cancelled through October 31.

Passengers should distinguish between an airport reopening for some services and the resumption of a particular airline's scheduled route. The status of an individual flight must be confirmed directly with the airline.

Are Flights to Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah Also Cancelled?

Yes. Under IndiGo's latest reported advisory, flights connecting Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah remain suspended until October 27, 2026.

These cities are important destinations for Indian travellers. Jeddah and Madinah are frequently used by people travelling for religious purposes, while Dammam is an important destination for workers, business travellers and families.

The extended suspension means passengers booked on affected IndiGo routes may need to reschedule their plans, seek a refund if eligible or explore another itinerary.

However, travellers should not assume that another airline has the same cancellation dates. Different airlines may issue separate advisories and operate different routes.

What Should Passengers With IndiGo Tickets Do Now?

If you have an IndiGo booking to or from Saudi Arabia, take the following steps before travelling.

Step 1: Check Your Flight Status

Visit IndiGo's official website and open its flight-status facility.

Enter the required flight details and check whether your service is cancelled, delayed or operating.

Do not rely only on an older booking confirmation or a message received before the latest advisory.

Step 2: Check Your Registered Contact Details

IndiGo has said that affected passengers are being notified through the contact information supplied during booking.

Check your registered email address and phone number for updates. If you booked through a travel agent or online travel platform, check messages from that provider as well.

Step 3: Contact the Airline or Booking Agent

If your flight is cancelled and you have not received clear instructions, contact IndiGo or the travel agent through which you booked.

Ask what options are available for your specific booking, including any applicable refund or rescheduling arrangements.

Step 4: Do Not Leave for the Airport Without Checking

A previous ticket or itinerary does not guarantee that the flight is operating.

Check the status again before leaving for the airport, particularly if your journey is scheduled close to a cancellation deadline.

Step 5: Keep Your Booking Information

Save your ticket, booking reference, cancellation notice and any communication about a refund or rescheduled journey.

These details can help if you need to contact customer support again.

Will IndiGo Offer a Refund or Free Rescheduling?

Passengers whose flights are cancelled should check the options available for their individual booking.

The latest cancellation report confirms that IndiGo is notifying affected customers, but it does not establish one universal refund or rescheduling arrangement for every ticket.

The options available may depend on the airline's current policy, the ticket conditions and how the booking was made.

If you booked through a travel agent or online platform, contact that provider for assistance as well.

Do not assume that a refund has been processed simply because a flight is cancelled. Check the status of your request and keep the confirmation.

Can You Travel to Saudi Arabia With Another Airline?

Some airlines may operate different schedules or routes, but availability can change quickly during a security disruption.

Before booking another flight, check directly with the airline operating that service and confirm that it is scheduled to fly on your travel date.

Also check any connecting airport, transit visa requirement and the rules that apply to your ticket.

Avoid buying a replacement ticket based only on an old schedule or an unverified social media post. If your original flight is cancelled, first confirm your refund or rescheduling options so you understand the possible costs.

Are Other Indian Airlines Also Affected?

The disruption is not limited to IndiGo.

Earlier advisories from Indian carriers showed that Air India and Air India Express had also suspended services on Saudi routes. Akasa Air separately extended some flight suspensions.

The dates and routes differ by airline, however, and may change as security conditions develop. Passengers should check the latest official advisory from the airline named on their ticket.

A flight operating under one airline's schedule does not guarantee that another carrier's service on the same route will operate.

What Should Indians Travelling for Umrah Know?

Passengers travelling for Umrah or other religious purposes should pay particular attention to the latest flight information.

Jeddah and Madinah are important gateways for many pilgrims, and cancellations can affect hotel bookings, ground transport and planned travel dates.

Before starting the journey:

• Confirm that your flight is operating.
• Contact your travel agent or tour operator.
• Check the status of connecting flights.
• Review hotel and transport cancellation conditions.
• Keep your passport, visa and booking documents accessible.
• Follow official safety advice from Saudi authorities and the Indian Embassy.

If your flight is cancelled, contact your travel provider before making costly alternative arrangements.

What Is the Indian Embassy Advising Citizens to Do?

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has advised the Indian community to take due precautions amid the prevailing security situation.

Its guidance includes following official safety instructions and moving to a safe place inside a building if an aerial attack occurs. It has also asked people not to film or share information about ongoing security incidents.

Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia should monitor embassy advisories and local authority instructions. Travellers should also avoid approaching affected airport areas or other locations where authorities have advised caution.

For urgent assistance, use the latest contact details published by the Indian Embassy or the Consulate General of India in Jeddah.

When Will IndiGo Flights to Saudi Arabia Resume?

IndiGo's current advisory sets October 31 as the cancellation deadline for Riyadh flights and October 27 for flights connecting Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah.

However, these dates should not be treated as confirmed restart dates.

The airline will need to assess the security situation and operational conditions before restoring services. It may issue a further update if the situation changes.

Passengers planning travel after the current deadlines should check their bookings again before departure and look for a new advisory from IndiGo.