Indian airlines Akasa Air and Air India Express have extended the cancellation of their flights to and from Riyadh until October 10, 2026, citing the evolving security situation in Saudi Arabia following attacks on two airports earlier this week. Akasa Air announced the extension in a travel advisory posted on X on Thursday, October 8, stating that it was closely monitoring developments and assessing the situation in real time.
The airline said the decision was taken with passenger and crew safety as its highest priority. The latest travel disruptions come after attacks targeted Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 6 and 7, resulting in three deaths and 36 injuries, according to Saudi authorities.
Akasa Air Offers Refunds and Free Rescheduling
In its travel update, Akasa Air said its Riyadh flights would remain cancelled through October 10 due to the evolving security situation in the Saudi capital. The airline has offered affected passengers the option of receiving a full refund or rescheduling their travel without additional charges. Refunds will be credited to the original payment method within seven days, according to the airline.
Passengers who booked their tickets through travel partners have been advised to contact those agencies directly for assistance with refunds or rescheduling. Akasa Air also said it would continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary. The airline reiterated that the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain its highest priority. The announcement was shared through the airline’s official X account as part of its ongoing travel advisories for passengers affected by the disruption.
Air India Express Also Suspends Riyadh Flights
Air India Express has also cancelled flights to and from Riyadh until October 10 in response to the security situation in the region. A spokesperson for the airline said affected passengers were being offered complimentary rescheduling or a full refund if they chose to cancel their bookings.
The airline said it was monitoring developments closely and would continue to assess the situation. The extended suspensions by both carriers are expected to affect passengers travelling between India and Saudi Arabia during the period. Passengers scheduled to fly to or from Riyadh have been advised to check the latest updates directly with their airlines before travelling to the airport.
Indian Embassy Advises Nationals to Remain Vigilant
Following the attacks, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh issued an advisory on Thursday urging Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain alert, stay indoors when necessary, and follow instructions issued by local authorities through official channels. The embassy also strongly advised Indian nationals against circulating or reposting videos and news related to the ongoing events, underscoring the importance of relying on official information during the developing security situation.
Despite the travel disruptions, the embassy confirmed that the Embassy of India in Riyadh, the Consulate in Jeddah and their outsourced visa services through VFS were continuing to operate normally. The embassy said it would issue further updates and advisories as required. Indian nationals requiring assistance can contact the 24-hour helpline of the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra at 8002471234, a toll-free number provided in the advisory.
Attacks on Two Airports Leave Three Dead, 36 Injured
According to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the attacks on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport occurred separately on October 6 and 7. The incidents resulted in three deaths and 36 injuries. At Abha International Airport, two people were killed and 28 were injured, while the attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh left one person dead and eight injured.
Saudi Civil Defence personnel responded to the incident on Thursday after a missile was reportedly launched by Yemen’s Houthi militia, according to the information provided by Saudi authorities. The attacks have heightened security concerns surrounding civilian infrastructure and aviation operations in the Kingdom, prompting airlines to reassess their flight schedules and passenger services. Following the attacks on Saudi civilian facilities, Saudi-led coalition forces said they had destroyed 82 military targets belonging to the Houthi militia in Yemen.
India Condemns Attacks on Saudi Civilian Infrastructure
India has condemned the attacks on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport, describing the targeting of civilian infrastructure as completely unacceptable. In a statement issued on Thursday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the attacks had resulted in civilian deaths and injuries. The ministry expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished those injured a speedy recovery. India also expressed solidarity with the people and government of Saudi Arabia, reaffirming its support following the incidents.
The developments have led to continued travel advisories and flight disruptions, with airlines monitoring the situation before making further decisions on their operations. Passengers travelling between India and Saudi Arabia are advised to confirm their flight status with their respective airlines and follow official advisories issued by local authorities and diplomatic missions.
