Akasa Air extends Riyadh, Jeddah flight suspension to Oct 27 amid Middle East tensions
Synopsis
Akasa Air has pushed its Riyadh and Jeddah flight suspension to 27 October 2026, marking a continuation of the airline's cautious stance on Middle East operations as regional tensions show no sign of easing. With no firm resumption date confirmed, thousands of passengers — including migrant workers and pilgrims — face continued uncertainty, and the timeline could stretch further.
Key Takeaways
Akasa Air extended the suspension of all flights to and from Riyadh and Jeddah until 27 October 2026 .
The airline cited the 'prevailing security situation in the Middle East' and a real-time assessment of developments.
Affected passengers are eligible for a full refund credited to the original payment source within seven days .
Passengers may also choose to reschedule travel at no additional cost .
Those who booked via travel agents or third-party platforms must contact those partners directly for assistance.
No confirmed resumption date beyond 27 October 2026 has been provided; the situation will be reassessed in real time.
Akasa Air on Sunday, 18 October 2026, announced the extension of its suspension of all flights to and from Riyadh and Jeddah until 27 October 2026, citing the escalating security situation in the Middle East. The airline confirmed the decision via a post on social media platform X, emphasising that passenger and crew safety remain its overriding priority.
Why the Suspension Was Extended
The airline said the extension follows a 'careful assessment of the evolving situation' in the region. Akasa Air added that it continues to monitor developments in real time before taking any further decisions on the resumption of services to the two Saudi Arabian cities. The airline did not specify a precise trigger for the extension, but the move aligns with a broader pattern of Indian carriers re-evaluating Middle East operations amid heightened regional tensions.
Passenger Relief Measures
To limit disruption for affected travellers, Akasa Air has offered two options. Passengers can claim a full refund, which will be credited to the original mode of payment within seven days. Alternatively, they may reschedule their travel at no additional cost. The airline has advised passengers who booked through travel agents or third-party platforms to contact those partners directly for refund or rescheduling assistance.
Context: Indian Airlines and Middle East Operations
Akasa Air's move is consistent with responses from other Indian carriers that have periodically suspended or rerouted Middle East services during periods of regional instability. Riyadh and Jeddah are significant routes for Indian carriers, given the large Indian diaspora and worker population in Saudi Arabia. Any prolonged suspension affects not only leisure travellers but also migrant workers and pilgrims, making the airline's refund-and-reschedule policy especially critical for affected communities.
What Happens Next
Akasa Air has not announced a definitive resumption date beyond 27 October 2026, leaving open the possibility of a further extension depending on ground conditions. The airline's statement suggests it will reassess closer to that date. Travellers with bookings after 27 October are advised to monitor official communications from the airline for any updates.
Point of View
Which is prudent but leaves a vulnerable traveller base — migrant workers, pilgrims, and families — in a prolonged limbo. The seven-day refund window is reasonable on paper, but the burden on passengers who booked through third-party agents highlights a structural gap in how Indian low-cost carriers communicate disruptions down the booking chain. If tensions persist beyond October, this story becomes about the economic cost to the Indian diaspora corridor, not just a routine operational update.
NationPress
18 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Akasa Air suspended flights to Riyadh and Jeddah?
Akasa Air has suspended flights to Riyadh and Jeddah due to the prevailing security situation in the Middle East. The airline said the decision was taken after a careful real-time assessment of the evolving regional situation, with passenger and crew safety cited as the primary consideration.
Until when is the Akasa Air flight suspension extended?
The suspension of Akasa Air flights to and from Riyadh and Jeddah has been extended until 27 October 2026, inclusive. The airline has not yet confirmed whether services will resume on 28 October or if a further extension is possible.
Can I get a refund if my Akasa Air flight to Riyadh or Jeddah was cancelled?
Yes. Passengers affected by the cancellations are eligible for a full refund, which will be credited to the original mode of payment within seven days. Alternatively, they may reschedule their travel at no additional charge.
What should passengers who booked through a travel agent do?
Passengers who made bookings through travel agents or third-party travel platforms have been advised by Akasa Air to contact those partners directly for assistance with refunds or rescheduling, as the airline processes claims through the original booking channel.
Which other Indian airlines have suspended Middle East flights?
Akasa Air's move follows a broader pattern among Indian carriers of suspending or rerouting Middle East services during periods of regional instability. The specific status of other carriers' routes should be confirmed directly with those airlines, as schedules are subject to ongoing reassessment.
