Air India extends Riyadh flight cancellations to Oct 15 after Houthi strikes
Synopsis
Four major Indian carriers — Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air — have suspended flights to Riyadh and other Saudi cities until at least 13–15 October after Houthi drone and missile strikes forced Riyadh airport to shut. With Saudi Arabia reporting fresh aerial threats on Monday, the disruptions are far from over.
Key Takeaways
Air India has extended suspension of Riyadh flights until 15 October 2025 following Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia's capital airport.
IndiGo has cancelled flights to Riyadh and Dammam until 15 October .
Air India Express cancelled Dammam and Jeddah services on 12 October and suspended Riyadh flights until 15 October .
Akasa Air halted Jeddah and Riyadh operations until 13 October .
Saudi Arabia reported fresh drone and missile threats on Monday; Riyadh airport remains closed pending security clearance.
Disruptions are tied to an intensifying Houthi offensive on Saudi airports and energy infrastructure, linked to the broader Iran–US regional conflict.
Air India on Monday, 13 October 2025, extended the suspension of its flights to and from Riyadh until 15 October, following repeated drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia's capital airport by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. The disruption has cascaded across Indian carriers, with IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air also cancelling services to multiple Saudi destinations amid escalating regional tensions.
Which Flights Are Affected
IndiGo has extended cancellations on its Riyadh and Dammam routes until 15 October. Air India Express has cancelled flights to Dammam and Jeddah on 12 October and suspended Riyadh services until 15 October. Akasa Air has halted operations to Jeddah and Riyadh until 13 October. Saudi authorities have kept Riyadh airport closed following the strikes and persistent security threats.
Escalating Houthi Offensive
The Houthis have intensified attacks on Saudi airports and energy infrastructure over the past week, expanding a conflict that has increasingly spilled beyond Yemen's borders. Saudi Arabia reported fresh incoming drone and missile threats on Monday, with the Saudi-led coalition detecting aerial projectiles; no immediate damage assessment was available from the latest barrage. The strikes have resulted in restrictions on parts of Saudi airspace and a significant reduction in air traffic over the capital.
Broader Regional Context
The disruptions are directly linked to a widening conflict involving Iran and the United States, with the Houthis acting as a regional proxy force. This is not an isolated incident — Houthi strikes on Gulf aviation infrastructure have periodically forced flight suspensions since the Yemen conflict began, but the current wave represents a notable escalation in both frequency and geographic reach. The continuing airspace uncertainty is forcing airlines to prioritise passenger safety over commercial schedules.
Impact on India-Saudi Travel
The India–Saudi Arabia air corridor is one of the busiest in the Gulf, serving a large diaspora community and a significant volume of business and religious travellers. Extended cancellations across four major Indian carriers are creating considerable disruption for passengers booked on those routes. Airlines have advised travellers to monitor their booking status and contact carriers for rebooking options. The situation remains fluid, with schedules subject to further revision depending on the security environment at Saudi airports.
Point of View
Pilgrims, and business travellers stranded or rerouted face costs that airlines will not fully absorb. The Houthi targeting of airport infrastructure — rather than military assets — is a strategic shift that makes civilian aviation collateral in a geopolitical proxy war. Until a credible ceasefire or coalition air-defence upgrade changes the threat calculus, expect further, rolling extensions beyond 15 October.
NationPress
12 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Air India suspended Riyadh flights?
Air India suspended Riyadh flights due to repeated drone and missile attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia's capital airport, which has remained closed for safety reasons. The cancellations have been extended until 15 October 2025.
Which other Indian airlines have cancelled Saudi Arabia flights?
IndiGo has cancelled Riyadh and Dammam flights until 15 October; Air India Express has suspended Dammam and Jeddah services on 12 October and Riyadh flights until 15 October; Akasa Air has halted Jeddah and Riyadh operations until 13 October.
What is causing the Houthi attacks on Saudi airports?
The Houthis, an Iran-aligned rebel group based in Yemen, have escalated attacks on Saudi airports and energy infrastructure as part of a widening regional conflict involving Iran and the United States. The strikes have intensified over the past week, forcing airspace restrictions over Riyadh.
Are the flight cancellations likely to extend beyond October 15?
The situation remains fluid. Saudi Arabia reported fresh incoming drone and missile threats on Monday, and the security environment at Riyadh airport is subject to change. Airlines have indicated they are continuously reviewing schedules, meaning further extensions are possible.
What should affected passengers do?
Passengers with bookings to Riyadh, Dammam, or Jeddah on Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express, or Akasa Air should monitor their carrier's official communications and contact the airline directly for rebooking or refund options, as cancellation windows may be extended.
