Story perspectives

Airlines Cancel Saudi Flights Until October 2026

By Drooid · Oct 16, 2026, 10:15 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Air India cancelled all flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until October 20, 2026.
IndiGo extended cancellations on Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah flights through October 24, 2026.
Akasa Air suspended Riyadh flights until October 24, 2026 and Jeddah flights until October 21, 2026.
All three airlines offered full refunds for the cancelled Saudi Arabia services.
Air India said passenger and crew safety remains its highest priority.

History

Historical Context

In August 1990, Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait led the United States to station about 5,000 troops in Saudi Arabia under Operation Desert Shield, after which the FAA issued a no-fly advisory and U.S. airlines cut roughly 30 % of Middle-East routes. The same security-driven response resurfaced in 2024 when Indian carriers cancelled all flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah through October 2026.

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Story summary

Air India cancelled all flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until October 20, 2026.
IndiGo extended cancellations on Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah flights through October 24, 2026.
Akasa Air suspended Riyadh flights until October 24, 2026 and Jeddah flights until October 21, 2026.
All three airlines offered full refunds for the cancelled Saudi Arabia services.
Air India said passenger and crew safety remains its highest priority.

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