IndiGo extends suspension of Saudi Arabia-bound flights:Air travel to Riyadh suspended till 31 Oct; passengers to get full refund

Indian airlines have extended the suspension of flights to and from Saudi Arabia. India’s largest airline IndiGo said “In view of the evolving security situation and following a careful assessment, IndiGo flights to and from Riyadh will remain cancelled until 31 October 2026 (inclusive), while flights to and from Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah will remain cancelled until 27 October 2026.” Earlier, Tata Group airlines Air India and Air India Express had extended the suspension of flights to and from Saudi Arabia until Saturday, 24 October, 2026. The private airlines had said that in view of the evolving situation in Saudi Arabia, all flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah stand cancelled until 24 October. Impact on Passengers The flight cancellations affect thousands of Indian workers, business travelers, and pilgrims traveling between India and Saudi Arabia. Cities like Jeddah and Madinah are major entry points for Umrah pilgrims, while Riyadh and Dammam house large Indian expatriate populations. All affected airlines have opened dedicated helpline desks and automated portal options for passengers. All affected airlines have opened dedicated helpline desks and automated portal options for passengers. Passengers holding confirmed tickets on cancelled flights can choose either: Full Refund: Complete waiver of cancellation fees with 100% refund processed back to the original payment source. Free Rescheduling: Complimentary booking on alternative dates once flight operations resume, without paying fare differences for equivalent seats. (This is a developing news)