Archive · 9 Oct 2026
India Issues Saudi Advisory as Airlines Cancel Riyadh Flights
India asked its citizens in Saudi Arabia to be careful and follow official instructions.
It also told them not to share videos or news about the events.
India’s embassy, consulate and help services said they were still working.
Several airlines cancelled Riyadh flights, and some passengers were offered refunds or free changes to their bookings.
Reports differed about which flights were cancelled and for how long.
Some Riyadh-bound planes were diverted, and Akasa Air cancelled flights between Kochi and Riyadh on Thursday.
Saudi officials said attacks on airports in Abha and Riyadh killed three people and injured 36.
India said attacks on civilian places such as airports were unacceptable.
India urged its nationals in Saudi Arabia to stay alert, follow local authorities’ instructions and avoid sharing videos or news about the events.
India’s embassy said its Riyadh mission, Jeddah consulate, VFS services and 24-hour helpline remained operational.
Air India, IndiGo and Air India Express cancelled Riyadh flights, with reports differing on the airlines and end dates; affected passengers were offered refunds or rescheduling.
Air India and IndiGo diverted Riyadh-bound flights on Thursday, and Akasa Air also cancelled Kochi–Riyadh services that day.
Saudi authorities reported three deaths and 36 injuries in attacks on Abha and King Khalid airports; India condemned the targeting of civilian infrastructure.
- Who
- India’s government and embassy, Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia, and airlines including Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express and Akasa Air.
- What
- India issued a safety advisory, several airlines cancelled or diverted Riyadh flights, and India condemned attacks on Saudi airports.
- When
- The advisory and airline changes were reported on Thursday; Saudi authorities said the airport strikes occurred on October 6 and 7.
- Where
- Saudi Arabia, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport; airline services included routes from India.
- Why
- The advisory and flight changes followed attacks on Saudi airports and an evolving security situation.
- Reported casualties
- Three killed and 36 injured across the attacks on Abha and King Khalid airports.
- Abha airport casualties
- Two people killed and 28 injured.
- King Khalid airport casualties
- One person killed and eight injured.
- Airlines mentioned
- Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express and Akasa Air.
- Passenger options
- Reports mentioned full refunds and, in some cases, complimentary rescheduling.
- Cancellation timelines
- Reports differed: one described Air India cancellations through Saturday and IndiGo cancellations for Thursday and Friday; others reported cancellations through October 10.
- Embassy services
- The Indian mission in Riyadh, Jeddah consulate, VFS services and 24-hour helpline were reported to remain operational.
Sources
IndiGo, Air India Divert, Cancel Riyadh Flights After Houthi Airport Attacks
India Issues Advisory for Nationals in Saudi Arabia Amid Airport Attacks; Air India Cancels Riyadh Flights Until Oct 10