Saudi Arabia airport attacks: Indian airlines suspend Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam flights — what to know

What happened

In a statement dated 8 October, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh condemned attacks “over the past few days” on Abha International Airport and on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It said they had caused civilian deaths and injuries.

The embassy’s advisory of 13 October gave more detail. An Indian national died in the attack on Riyadh’s airport on 10 October, and several other Indians were injured. Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) suspended operations at King Khalid International Airport. Flights at Dammam, Jeddah and Medina continued, with some disruption.

Indian media have since reported an attack on Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport on 11 October. Flights there resumed, but with disruption.

Where the suspensions stand (as of 22 October)

Air India and Air India Express: flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam are suspended until 24 October (All India Radio, 17 October).

IndiGo: flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Medina are suspended until 24 October inclusive (IndiGo’s post on X, as reported by Indian media, 17–22 October).

Akasa Air: Riyadh and Jeddah flights are suspended; reported end dates vary between 24 and 27 October (Indian media, 17–22 October).

None of the four airlines has announced when it will restart. Each has extended at least once already. Check your airline’s app before you travel, even after these dates.

Is Riyadh airport open?

We cannot confirm it. GACA suspended operations on 10 October and extended the suspension on 12 October. Several outlets have since reported a limited reopening from around 17–21 October, with every flight needing GACA’s prior permission. We have not seen a GACA statement confirming this. Either way, no Indian airline is flying to Riyadh at the moment.

If you are booked

Air India and Air India Express: All India Radio reported these options on 17 October. They apply to confirmed tickets issued on or before 15 October, for travel between 9 and 25 October. You can make one free date change, by 10 November; or rebook from another Gulf city the airline serves, subject to availability; or take a full refund if your flight is cancelled and you choose not to travel.

IndiGo and Akasa Air: both say they are contacting affected passengers. Indian media report that each offers a free change or a full refund. Check the airline’s app or customer care for the terms on your booking.

If you are already in Saudi Arabia

Overstays: the Indian Embassy says Saudi authorities will let visitors on visit, tourist, Umrah or business visas who overstay because there are no flights leave without paying fines. They should leave as soon as flights are available.

Leaving via a neighbouring country: in an emergency, the embassy suggests flights from neighbouring countries, particularly Qatar and Bahrain. You will need a visa for that country under its own rules.

Embassy 24-hour helpline: +966-554412016 or +966-542126784; toll-free within Saudi Arabia 8002471234; WhatsApp (messages only) +966-536216082; email cw.riyadh@mea.gov.in.

If you are planning a trip

Umrah or a Saudi holiday in the next few weeks: wait for the airlines to confirm their restart dates before you pay for anything non-refundable.

Saudi package visa: this visa is tied to a booked package, so check with your provider what happens to it if your trip moves. See our earlier article on the Saudi package visa.

Travelling elsewhere in the Gulf: for the separate suspensions by European and Asian airlines at Dubai and Abu Dhabi, see our Gulf suspensions article.

Sources

This report is based on the following published sources. Rules and schedules change — confirm with the issuing authority before you travel.

• Statement on attacks targeting airports in Riyadh — Embassy of India, Riyadh, 08 October 2026
• Important Update/Advisory, 13 October 2026, 1700 hrs — Embassy of India, Riyadh, 13 October 2026
• Air India, Air India Express suspend flights to Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam until October 24 — All India Radio (News On AIR), 17 October 2026
• Repeated cancellations, soaring fares: Saudi flight disruptions leave Kerala expats in limbo — Onmanorama, 22 October 2026