Air India, Akasa Air, and IndiGo Cancel Flights to Riyadh Until October 10
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Indian carriers have moved swiftly to suspend and adjust flight operations to the Saudi capital following a sharp escalation in regional conflict. On Thursday, October 8, 2026, Air India and Air India Express announced the suspension of all flights to and from Riyadh until October 10, 2026, after Yemen-backed Houthi rebels claimed a ballistic missile attack on King Khalid International Airport. The dramatic disruptions, which included a Delhi-to-Riyadh flight turning back mid-air, come as multiple airlines scramble to ensure passenger safety amid reports of explosions and regional airspace threats.
Air India and Air India Express Ground Operations Until October 10
Following the outbreak of violence, national carriers implemented immediate contingency measures for stranded and booked travelers:
Flight Suspensions: All scheduled operations by Air India and Air India Express to Riyadh remain on hold through October 10, 2026.
Mid-Air Turnaround: An Air India flight traveling from New Delhi to Riyadh was forced to return to its origin base mid-flight after news of the airport strike broke.
Passenger Relief Options: Affected customers have been offered complimentary date rescheduling or a full, unhindered refund, with airlines urging passengers to connect with customer service centers for updated itineraries.
Akasa Air and IndiGo Adjust Schedules, Divert Flights
Other major Indian operators also implemented immediate schedule changes to navigate the volatile airspace:
Akasa Air Cancellations: Akasa Air officially cancelled its Kochi-Riyadh and Riyadh-Kochi services scheduled for October 8, offering full refunds to the original payment source within seven days or free rescheduling options.
IndiGo Diversions and Cancellations: IndiGo reported that flight 6E 93 from Hyderabad to Riyadh was safely diverted to Dammam, while its Thursday Delhi-Riyadh service was scrapped alongside subsequent Friday, October 9 flights connecting Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad to Riyadh.
Houthi Missile Strikes Trigger Regional Airspace Alarms
The aviation clampdown was prompted by intensifying hostilities across Saudi airspace:
King Khalid Airport Explosions: Witnesses reported loud blasts near Riyadh's primary international gateway following incoming ballistic missile activity.
Saudi-Led Coalition Response: Coalition spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki confirmed that defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh and another fired toward Khamis Mushait in the country's southwest.
Houthi Warnings: The Houthi movement publicly issued a warning to global commercial carriers regarding operations within Saudi airspace, which the group designated as an active military zone.
India Condemns Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure
Reacting to the deteriorating security situation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong official statement denouncing the targeting of civilian transport hubs:
Unacceptable Targeting: Condemning recent strikes on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport that resulted in civilian casualties, the MEA declared that attacks on civilian infrastructure are completely unacceptable.
Condolences and Support: Extending deepest sympathies to the grieving families, India wished a swift and complete recovery to all individuals injured in the strikes.
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