Commercial aviation links between India and Saudi Arabia face severe disruption following the shutdown of flight operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Major Indian carriers, including Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo, have suspended passenger services to several destinations across Saudi Arabia through October 17. The sudden cancellation of schedules has left thousands of travelers stranded or searching for roundabout routes to navigate transit across the Gulf region.
Extensive Cancellations Across Indian and International Carriers
According to an advisory issued by the Embassy of India in Riyadh, the suspension of services by Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo extends beyond the Saudi capital to cover Dammam and Jeddah. IndiGo has additionally grounded all scheduled flights operating to Madinah. Akasa Air has similarly aligned its schedule adjustments with the current safety environment, halting its flights to Riyadh and Jeddah through October 17.
The impact of the airspace and terminal disruption has rippled through regional and global networks as well. Major Gulf carriers, including Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Qatar Airways, and Gulf Air, have cancelled multiple services connecting various Saudi hubs. Across Europe, Lufthansa Group and Air France-KLM have expanded flight restrictions and paused scheduled rotations into Riyadh as operational uncertainty persists.
Casualties and Ground Impact from the October 10 Incident
The widespread grounding of air routes stems directly from an attack targeting Riyadh's primary international airport on October 10. The incident resulted in the death of Indian national Mohammed Yusuf Ali and left 11 other people injured. Updating the condition of Indian citizens caught in the incident, the Indian Embassy stated that four wounded individuals remain in intensive care units, four are receiving treatment in general hospital wards, and three have been discharged following medical care. While facilities in Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah technically remain operational, widespread schedule realignments have caused knock-on disruptions across the country's aviation network.
Emergency Protocols, Visa Relief, and Dedicated Helplines
In response to the travel bottleneck, the Indian Embassy has urged all passengers to maintain constant communication with their respective airlines to confirm flight statuses before proceeding to departure terminals. For those requiring immediate departure under emergency circumstances, Indian authorities suggested exploring outbound connections via neighboring Gulf countries such as Qatar and Bahrain, provided passengers hold valid entry or transit visas.
Addressing the plight of visitors caught in transit, the embassy announced that tourists, Umrah pilgrims, and business travelers whose visas lapse due to the lack of available flights will be permitted to exit Saudi Arabia without paying overstay financial penalties. To coordinate emergency assistance and support distressed citizens, the diplomatic mission in Riyadh has activated a 24-hour dedicated control room.
