NEW DELHI: India’s largest airline, IndiGo, on Tuesday (Oct 13) suspended all flights to and from Saudi Arabia until Saturday (Oct 17) amid rising tensions and security concerns in the region. The suspension affects services connecting Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah.
“Due to the evolving situation in Saudi Arabia, flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah stand cancelled until 17 October’26,” IndiGo said in a travel advisory.
The airline said it was sharing updates with passengers through the contact details provided at the time of booking. Its support teams are also available to address passengers’ queries and concerns.
Akasa Air extends flight suspension
Akasa Air has also extended the suspension of all flights to and from Riyadh and Jeddah until October 17, citing the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East and the risks to safe flight operations.
In its October 13 advisory, the airline said affected passengers could choose between a full refund and rescheduling their journey without any additional charges. Refunds will be credited to the original payment method within seven days.
Passengers who booked their tickets through travel partners have been advised to contact them directly for assistance.
“The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority,” Akasa Air said.
Riyadh Airport closure extended
The flight disruptions come after Saudi authorities extended the closure of Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport until Saturday. The airport, which is the country’s second-busiest after Jeddah, has suspended operations to ensure the safety and readiness of its facilities.
Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority said the closure would allow authorities to complete the necessary procedures to ensure the airport’s safety and operational readiness.
The disruption has affected air travel beyond the region, with several airlines across Europe and Asia suspending services. The US Federal Aviation Administration advised American carriers on Sunday to exercise caution when flying to or over Saudi Arabia.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency also expanded its warning on Saudi airspace on Friday, citing the threat from missile and drone attacks.
Fresh attacks raise security concerns
The suspension of flights follows a series of attacks that have heightened security concerns in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.
One person was killed and 11 others were injured in a fresh attack on Riyadh’s international airport on Sunday. A day earlier, a strike claimed by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels killed 13 people and injured more than 300.
Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen said an unidentified projectile struck Terminal 4 of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, triggering a fire. - The Statesman/ANN
