Heading to or from Riyadh this week? Make sure to check your flight status before you leave for the airport. Several Indian airlines have paused or rerouted services to the Saudi capital after operations at King Khalid International Airport were disrupted on Thursday, 8 October due to ongoing regional tensions.
Flying To Riyadh This Week Via India? Here’s All Flyers Need To Know!
Air India has suspended all flights to and from Riyadh until 10 October, citing the developing situation in the region. Flight AI2243, which was operating from Delhi to Riyadh, returned to Delhi on Thursday in the interest of passenger and crew safety and was later cancelled. Affected passengers have been offered full refunds. Its sister airline, Air India Express, has also paused Riyadh services until 10 October, and passengers can choose free rescheduling or a full refund.
IndiGo And Akasa Air Changes
IndiGo has cancelled flights to and from Riyadh until 9 October, with the airline pointing to the prevailing situation in the region. Its Hyderabad–Riyadh service was diverted to Dammam on Thursday, while Delhi–Riyadh flights were cancelled for Thursday and Friday. According to reports, Hyderabad–Riyadh and Mumbai–Riyadh flights scheduled for Friday have also been cancelled. Akasa Air first cancelled its Kochi–Riyadh round trip and has since extended the pause until 10 October. Beyond India, Lufthansa Group has suspended Riyadh flights through 16 October.
A Busy Route Feels The Pause
The India–Riyadh route is one of the busiest between India and Saudi Arabia, so the pause is being felt widely. As per Cirium data for October 2026, around 286 weekly non-stop passenger flights flew, with IndiGo operating 42 a week, Air India Express 32, Saudia 30 and Air India 22. That means thousands of families, workers and business travellers are keeping a close eye on their schedules, and many will be hoping for clarity soon.
The Embassy of India in Saudi Arabia has also issued an advisory, asking Indian nationals to stay alert and follow instructions from local authorities.
Also Read: Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport Launches Luggage Storage For Stranded GCC Travellers
What Travellers Should Do Now
If your trip is affected, a few steps can save you stress. Check your booking directly on the airline’s app or website rather than relying on third-party updates. Make sure your contact details are up to date so alerts reach you. If you are connecting onward, leave yourself extra time, as schedules may keep changing over the next few days.
Airlines say they are monitoring developments before deciding when regular Riyadh services can resume. Until then, confirm your flight before you travel, keep your plans flexible and keep checking the airline’s official channels for the latest updates on your booking.
Cover Image Courtesy: Indigo6e/Instagram
FAQs
Which airlines have paused flights to Riyadh?
Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Akasa Air have paused or cancelled services, and Lufthansa Group has suspended Riyadh flights through 16 October.
Can I get a refund?
Air India has offered full refunds for the cancelled AI2243 flight, and Air India Express is offering free rescheduling or a full refund.
What should I do if my flight is affected?
Check your booking on the airline’s official app or website, review refund or rescheduling options, and follow the Indian Embassy’s advice to stay alert and follow local authorities’ instructions.