India-Saudi flights: Akasa, Air India and IndiGo extend cancellations; Umrah advisory issued

Current Status for Jeddah Flights (November 12, 2026)

• Airport Operations: Jeddah's airport has remained operational throughout the regional disruptions, unlike severely impacted hubs like Riyadh. However, European aviation regulators (EASA) maintain warnings advising caution across parts of the Jeddah flight region.

• Several Indian airlines, including Akasa Air, Air India, and IndiGo, have extended flight suspensions to Saudi Arabia due to regional security concerns and airspace restrictions. While Indian carriers face disruptions, the Saudi carrier flynas has introduced additional services to various Indian cities to provide alternative travel options for passengers and Umrah pilgrims.

  Key points:

  • Akasa Air has suspended flights to Jeddah until November 18, 2026, and to Riyadh until November 30, 2026.

  • Air India and Air India Express have extended flight suspensions to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam until November 14, 2026.

  • IndiGo has cancelled flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah until November 14, 2026, citing airspace restrictions.

  • Saudi carrier flynas has added new flights from Dammam to Lucknow, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kozhikode, and Kochi.

  • Flynas is also offering additional services from Riyadh to Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kozhikode.

• Etihad Airways & Emirates: While several UAE-to-Saudi services resumed around late October and early November, select schedules (such as specific Abu Dhabi–Jeddah pairings on Etihad or rotating routes on Emirates/flydubai) remain subject to rolling adjustments and periodic cancellations.

• Qatar Airways: Reduced its Jeddah schedule from seven daily flights down to four, warning passengers that timetables remain fluid.

• Akasa Air extends Jeddah and Riyadh flight suspension

  In an advisory issued on November 1, Akasa Air said flights to and from Jeddah would remain suspended until and including November 18, while services to Riyadh would remain suspended until and including November 30.

• The airline said it was closely monitoring developments and assessing the security situation in real time, with passenger and crew safety remaining its priority.

  What affected passengers need to know:

  Passengers can choose between:

  • Full refund: The amount will be credited to the original payment method within seven days.

  • Rescheduling: Passengers can change their travel dates at no additional cost.

  Those who booked through travel agents or other travel partners should contact them directly for assistance.

  Air India, Air India Express suspend Saudi flights

  Air India and Air India Express have extended the suspension of flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam until November 14, 2026, inclusive.

  According to the October 30 travel advisory, passengers with confirmed bookings issued on or before October 30 for travel up to November 14 can choose a one-time complimentary rebooking, subject to availability, for travel up to November 29, or request a full refund upon cancellation.

  The rebooking options differ by airline:

  • Air India: Passengers can rebook to or from any operational Air India station in Saudi Arabia.

  • Air India Express: Passengers can rebook to or from any operational Air India Express station in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain.

  Passengers can contact the airlines through the following numbers for assistance:

• Air India: +91 11 69329333 / +91 11 69329999

• Air India Express: +91 124 6935600

They can also approach the airlines' city booking offices for rebooking and refund requests.

IndiGo cancels flights to four Saudi destinations

IndiGo has cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until November 14, 2026, citing ongoing airspace restrictions in the region.

In its October 28 advisory, the airline said its teams were contacting affected customers and providing updates and assistance.

IndiGo said it continued to monitor developments and would inform passengers of further changes.

flynas adds flights from Saudi Arabia to India

While Indian carriers have extended suspensions, Saudi airlines continue to operate services between the Kingdom and India, according to an update from the Consulate General of India in Jeddah.

The Consulate said Saudi carriers were continuing to operate flights from Jeddah and Madinah to India. Other international airlines were also offering one-stop connections through their respective hubs.

Saudi carrier flynas has announced additional flights from Dammam to six Indian cities:

• Lucknow

• Mumbai

• Delhi

• Hyderabad

• Kozhikode

• Kochi

From Riyadh, flynas has announced additional flights to:

• Delhi

• Hyderabad

• Kozhikode

The services are available on select dates.

The Consulate said the Embassy and Consulate were continuing to coordinate with airlines and community organisations to assist Indian nationals affected by flight disruptions, particularly Umrah pilgrims. Tour operators have been encouraged to explore the additional flight options.

Consulate steps up assistance

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah is continuing to assist Indian nationals affected by flight disruptions, particularly Umrah pilgrims. Its 24×7 Control Rooms in Jeddah and Makkah are facilitating help with food, essential medicines and other immediate requirements wherever feasible, with support from Indian community associations and volunteers.

In an advisory dated October 24, the Consulate said it remained in regular contact with Saudi authorities, including the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to address difficulties involving visa validity and delayed departures.

• What Umrah pilgrims need to know

  • Accommodation and other services: Pilgrims facing difficulties during an extended stay can contact the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's Pilgrim Care Center on 1966, accessible within Saudi Arabia. They should register their concerns and obtain a case reference number.

  • Contact Umrah service providers: Pilgrims should remain in touch with their respective service provider companies for assistance. The case reference number can be shared with the Consulate's Control Rooms if further coordination is required.

  • Refund concerns: The Consulate is in contact with Indian airlines regarding cancellations and passenger concerns, including difficulties obtaining refunds reported by affected passengers and tour operators.

  • Alternative travel: The Consulate is connecting Indian Umrah tour operators with airlines continuing to operate services to India. These arrangements depend on seat availability, applicable fares and other airline requirements.

  • Consular assistance: Indian nationals requiring help can contact the 24×7 Control Rooms in Jeddah and Makkah.

  The Consulate has urged affected passengers to stay in regular contact with their airlines, travel agents and Umrah service providers about cancellations, rebooking, refunds and alternative travel arrangements. It is continuing to coordinate with the relevant authorities, airlines and other stakeholders to facilitate the early return of affected Indian nationals.

  What Indian travellers in Saudi Arabia need to know

  The Consulate has advised passengers to verify flight schedules, bookings and travel arrangements directly with the relevant airlines before proceeding to departure airports.

  Indian nationals requiring assistance can contact the Consulate's 24-hour control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah, which remain operational.

  The Indian community in Saudi Arabia has also been asked to follow local rules and regulations.