Riyadh flights cancelled: IndiGo extends suspension as airlines face restart decision

IndiGo has extended its flight cancellations to Saudi Arabia, it announced today. The airline confirmed that services to Riyadh are now cancelled until 31 October. 

Meanwhile flights to and from Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah remain cancelled until 27 October.

The development comes as several international airlines approach the end of their announced suspension periods.

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport reopened on 18 October after deadly missile and drone attacks on the Saudi capital forced it to close earlier in the month.

Although the airport has reopened, international flights remain severely disrupted. As we reported earlier this week, aircraft operators must still obtain prior permission to land or depart.

The restrictions have left passengers facing ongoing uncertainty. Although some flights remain on published schedules, airlines are still assessing operational and security risks.

IndiGo extends Riyadh flight cancellations until 31 October

IndiGo had previously given a cancellation deadline of 24 October. However in a post on X earlier today (23 October), IndiGo wrote: “The safety and well-being of our customers and crew remain our highest priority. We are closely monitoring developments and coordinating with the relevant authorities to assess the situation.”

Travel Advisory In view of the evolving security situation and following a careful assessment, IndiGo flights to and from Riyadh will remain cancelled until 31 October 2026 (inclusive), while flights to and from Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah will remain cancelled until 27 October 2026 (inclusive). The safety and well-being of our customers and crew remain our highest priority. We are closely monitoring developments and coordinating with the relevant authorities to assess the situation. Affected customers are being notified through the contact details provided at the time of booking. Customers are advised to check their flight status at https://t.co/m6CIGr4Vss before proceeding to the airport. We sincerely regret the inconvenience and uncertainty this may cause to your travel plans and appreciate your patience and understanding.

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) October 23, 2026

What should IndiGo passengers do?

In its post, the airline added: “Affected customers are being notified through the contact details provided at the time of booking. Customers are advised to check their flight status online before proceeding to the airport.”

Which airlines could restart Riyadh flights from 25 October?

Etihad Airways has confirmed flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh and Dammam will be cancelled until the end of the day on 24 October.

The airline has warned further changes are possible, and is advising customers to check before they travel.

Flydubai has also reportedly suspended flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Abha through 24 October.

Air India and Air India Express have announced cancellations affecting Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam until the same date, according to Reuters.

However, the expiry of a suspension period does not guarantee that flights will restart the following day.

Airlines must assess the security situation and obtain the necessary operating permissions before reinstating services.

Other airlines will not return to Riyadh until November or later

Some airlines are delaying their return until November, with some not planning to resume services in Riyadh until 2027.

Several international carriers have already confirmed longer suspensions, meaning Riyadh’s international network is unlikely to return to normal in the immediate future.

Reuters reported on 20 October that Air France-KLM had extended its Riyadh suspension until 7 November.

Lufthansa Group airlines have cancelled Riyadh flights until 18 November, while Philippine Airlines has suspended its services to the Saudi capital until 29 November.

Cathay Pacific has postponed the resumption of its Hong Kong–Riyadh route until the end of January 2027.

Delta Air Lines has also delayed the launch of its planned Atlanta–Riyadh service until March 2027. The US carrier had originally intended to begin operations on 23 October.

British Airways, meanwhile, has previously outlined plans to return with a limited Riyadh service from 3 November, although passengers should confirm whether those plans remain unchanged.

Is Riyadh airport open?

Yes. Saudi Arabia reopened King Khalid International Airport following safety inspections after the attacks earlier this month, but restrictions remain on airport operations.

Aircraft must still obtain prior approval before arriving or departing. The airport cannot currently be used as a planned diversion airport.

Why are airlines still cancelling flights after Riyadh airport reopened?

Under aviation notices issued following the closure, aircraft arriving at or departing from Riyadh require prior permission from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation.

International airlines must consider the continuing risk of further attacks, operational restrictions and the availability of suitable alternative airports before restoring services.

The disruption has also affected other Saudi airports, with airlines cancelling flights to Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah.

Some services have returned. Malaysia Airlines resumed flights to Jeddah and Madinah on 18 October following a safety review, demonstrating that carriers are taking different approaches to restoring their Saudi networks.

What should passengers travelling to Riyadh do?

Passengers booked to travel to Riyadh from 25 October should check their flight status directly with the operating airline before leaving for the airport.

The coming weekend will be a key test for Riyadh’s aviation recovery, as airlines decide whether security conditions and operating restrictions allow flights to resume – or whether cancellations will extend further into November.