IndiGo Extends Flight Suspensions to Saudi Arabia Amid Security Concerns

Indian carrier IndiGo has announced an extension of its flight cancellations to and from Riyadh until October 31. Additionally, services connecting to Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah will remain suspended until October 27.

The airline stated that the decision was made following a careful assessment of the evolving security situation in Saudi Arabia. The move comes in the wake of a deadly attack at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, which resulted in casualties and injuries.

According to Saudi authorities and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, the incident on Wednesday evening left two people dead, including an Indian national, and eight others injured. Two additional Indian nationals sustained injuries in the attack and are currently receiving medical care in local hospitals. Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation noted that airport operations have since resumed and air traffic has returned to normal.

In a travel advisory posted on social media platform X, IndiGo emphasized that passenger and crew safety remains its highest priority. The airline is monitoring developments and coordinating with relevant authorities. Affected passengers are being notified through the contact details provided at the time of booking, and the carrier has advised travelers to verify their flight status on its official website before heading to the airport.

IndiGo's schedule adjustment follows a similar operational response by Akasa Air, which earlier extended the suspension of its flights to Riyadh and Jeddah until October 27 due to ongoing security concerns in the region.

"Aviation and logistics companies operating cross-border routes face immediate operational disruptions when geopolitical and security incidents occur. For carriers like IndiGo and Akasa Air, prioritizing passenger and crew safety necessitates swift schedule adjustments and proactive communication with affected travelers. In the face of unexpected regional developments, maintaining robust contingency planning and transparent coordination with relevant authorities remains vital to managing risk and minimizing supply chain or transit friction." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes