Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Airlines Suspend Riyadh Flights Amid Evolving Security Concerns
An Air India plane flying from Delhi to Riyadh turned around and landed back in Delhi on Thursday.
Air India and Air India Express also paused flights to and from Riyadh, according to sources.
Akasa Air cancelled two flights between Kochi and Riyadh.
The airlines acted while security concerns and airspace restrictions were being assessed.
Reports said there had been a Houthi attack on Riyadh airport, but this report was not independently confirmed.
Riyadh airport warned that some flights might be delayed, changed, or cancelled.
Akasa offered affected passengers a refund or a chance to reschedule without an extra charge.
The airlines said passenger and crew safety was a priority.
Air India flight AI2243 from Delhi to Riyadh turned back after about two hours in the air.
The aircraft landed back in Delhi at around 6:45 pm on Thursday.
Air India and Air India Express suspended flights to and from Riyadh, according to sources.
Akasa Air cancelled its Kochi-Riyadh and Riyadh-Kochi flights scheduled for Thursday.
Reports of a Houthi attack on Riyadh airport were not independently confirmed.
- Who
- Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and passengers travelling to or from Riyadh.
- What
- Air India flight AI2243 returned to Delhi; Air India and Air India Express suspended Riyadh operations, and Akasa Air cancelled two Riyadh flights.
- When
- Thursday; Akasa Air posted its cancellation notice at 6 pm.
- Where
- Flights involving Delhi, Kochi, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Airlines were responding to an evolving security situation and airspace restrictions; reports of an attack on Riyadh airport had not been independently confirmed.
Reported threat
Confirmed information
Alleged attack on Riyadh airport
Reported threat
Reports described a Houthi attack on Riyadh airport as a factor in the security concerns.
Confirmed information
The reported attack had not been independently confirmed; the airport cited regional developments and airspace restrictions in its advisory.
- Air India flight
- AI2243 departed Delhi at around 2:40 pm and returned to Delhi at around 6:45 pm.
- Time in flight
- The aircraft turned back after flying for about two hours.
- Air India and Air India Express
- Operations to and from Riyadh were suspended for the time being, according to sources.
- Akasa Air flights
- QP 523 (Kochi to Riyadh) and QP 524 (Riyadh to Kochi) were cancelled for Thursday.
- Akasa passenger options
- Affected passengers could choose a full refund or reschedule at no additional charge.
- Airport advisory
- King Khalid International Airport warned that flights could be delayed, rescheduled, or cancelled and advised passengers to check their flight status.
- Reported attack
- Reports of a Houthi attack on Riyadh airport were not independently confirmed.