New Delhi: Indian airlines have prolonged their suspension of services to Saudi Arabia as security concerns continue across the Gulf region following Houthi attacks on key Saudi infrastructure.
IndiGo and Akasa Air have extended the suspension of their Saudi Arabia operations until October 24, while Air India and Air India Express have prolonged the halt until October 20. The carriers had earlier suspended flights until October 17 following missile strikes by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Riyadh’s main airport.
IndiGo, Akasa Extend Halt
IndiGo said it had reviewed the changing conditions in Saudi Arabia before deciding to cancel services linking India with Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until October 24, as reported by The New Indian express.
“Following a careful assessment of the evolving situation in Saudi Arabia, flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah stand cancelled until 24 October,” the airline said. It added that affected travellers were being informed through the contact details shared during booking.
Akasa Air announced a similar extension for Riyadh, while placing a shorter suspension on Jeddah. “In view of the prevailing security situation in the Middle East, Akasa Air has extended the suspension of all flights to and from Riyadh until October 24. Operations to Jeddah have been suspended till October 21,” it said. “This decision follows a careful assessment of the evolving situation, with safety remaining our primary consideration.”
Air India Group Extends Cancellations
Air India has called off all flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until October 20.
“In view of the evolving situation in Saudi Arabia, all Air India flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah stand cancelled until 20 October. We are closely monitoring developments and continuously assessing the situation to ensure the safe resumption of operations,” an airline spokesperson said. Passengers whose journeys have been disrupted will receive a full refund, the spokesperson added.
Air India Express, which operates the largest number of services from India to the Gulf, has also halted flights to and from Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh until October 20. “In view of the evolving situation in the region, we have cancelled flights to and from Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh until 20 October,” the airline said.
AIX runs daily Riyadh services from Kozhikode, along with weekly flights from Bengaluru, Kochi and Kannur. It also connects Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Delhi with Dammam, and links Kozhikode, Mangaluru and Bengaluru with Jeddah.
