Indian Airlines to Resume Saudi Flights October 17
Carriers will restart service after a temporary suspension following an attack at King Khalid International Airport.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Middle East
Major Indian airlines including Air India and IndiGo will resume service to Saudi Arabia on October 17 following an airport security incident. Saudi authorities are currently waiving overstay fines for Indian citizens impacted by the flight disruptions.
Why it matters
The suspension was implemented following an October 10 attack at King Khalid International Airport, which caused significant travel disruptions for passengers. Officials are working to assist stranded travelers as the region manages ongoing security concerns.
A total of 11 Indian nationals sustained injuries in the attack, with four currently in intensive care and four in general wards. Three individuals have been discharged, while the Indian Embassy continues to monitor the safety of remaining travelers.
The players
Air India
This major airline is the flag carrier of India and operates extensive international routes throughout the Middle East.
IndiGo
This low-cost airline is one of the largest carriers in India by fleet size and passenger volume.
Indian Embassy in Riyadh
This diplomatic mission provides consular services and safety support for Indian citizens residing in or visiting Saudi Arabia.
The details
Operations at King Khalid International Airport remain suspended, though flights continue to serve airports in Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina. Airlines are currently processing refunds and rescheduling requests for those unable to complete their journeys.
Timeline
September 29: A group of 13 Mumbai residents departed for their pilgrimage.
October 10: An attack occurred at King Khalid International Airport.
October 13: Scheduled return flights for the pilgrims were cancelled.
October 16: The Mumbai group was scheduled to travel via Saudia Airlines.
October 17: Service suspensions for Indian airlines are scheduled to end.
Travel Outlook
The flight suspensions and subsequent recovery efforts follow the operational patterns established after the 2026 King Khalid International Airport security incident. Airlines and regional authorities are coordinating to balance safety protocols with the logistical demands of international travel.
Travelers scheduled to fly to Saudi Arabia should confirm their booking status with their airline before departing, as service resumes on October 17. Affected Indian visa holders should contact the Embassy in Riyadh or the Consulate in Jeddah if they require extensions or emergency documentation.
The takeaway
Travelers in the region should follow local safety alerts and remain indoors during periods of heightened activity as advised by embassy officials. Maintaining constant communication with your airline and home consulate is essential when navigating international travel disruptions.
Further reading
Find more updates on regional transit and safety advisories in the Middle East section.
