Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Air travel to and from Saudi Arabia is facing major disruption following attacks on aviation infrastructure and escalating regional tensions. Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport remains closed, while airlines have suspended or cancelled services on several routes and issued travel advisories to affected passengers.
The disruption is affecting travellers between India and Saudi Arabia, including passengers travelling to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah. Airlines are reviewing their schedules as authorities assess the security situation.
Riyadh airport closure extended
- King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has been closed following attacks on the facility. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by Saudi authorities extended the closure until 9 p.m. GMT on October 17, equivalent to 2:30 a.m. Saudi time on October 18.
- The closure is intended to allow safety procedures and assessments of the airport’s operational readiness. The stated closure deadline does not guarantee that flights will resume immediately; reopening remains subject to official instructions.
- According to The Indian Express, aviation analytics firm Cirium estimated that around 60% of scheduled flights at Riyadh airport could be cancelled during the disruption.
Indian airlines suspend affected services
- Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Akasa Air are among the Indian carriers that have suspended or cancelled services on affected Saudi routes.
- An update reported by Gulf News on October 14 said these airlines had suspended flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 17. The affected destinations vary by carrier and booking, so passengers should confirm the status of their individual flights.
- Airlines are advising affected customers to check available refund, rescheduling and rebooking options. The applicable arrangements depend on the airline and ticket conditions.
What about Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah?
- Unlike Riyadh, Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport and Madinah’s airport have continued to handle some flights.
- However, operations are not necessarily normal. Some services have been cancelled or rescheduled, and individual airlines have imposed different restrictions.
- Saudi carrier Saudia has continued operating scheduled flights from Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah, according to the October 14 reporting. Passengers should therefore check their airline and flight number rather than assume that every service to these cities is cancelled.
International airlines adjust schedules
- International airlines have also introduced cancellations and schedule changes in response to the security situation.
- Reuters reported on October 12 that affected carriers included Lufthansa, Air France KLM, Etihad Airways, IndiGo, Philippine Airlines, Air India, Akasa Air, Gulf Air, Cathay Pacific and Delta Air Lines.
- The cancellation periods differ significantly. Some suspensions concern Riyadh alone, while others affect additional destinations or connecting routes. Certain airlines have announced restrictions extending beyond October 17. Travellers should consult the relevant carrier’s latest travel notice.
Casualties and safety concerns
- The aviation disruption follows deadly attacks on Riyadh airport on October 10 and subsequent security incidents.
- An update reported by Gulf News on October 14 said two injured Indian nationals remained in intensive care, a third had moved to a high dependency unit, four others were receiving treatment in a general ward, and one person had been discharged.
- The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has urged Indian nationals to follow local authorities instructions, take shelter during aerial attacks and avoid circulating unverified videos or reports.
Advisory for passengers
Passengers planning to travel to or from Saudi Arabia should:
- Check their flight status directly with the airline before travelling to the airport.
- Confirm cancellation, refund and rescheduling arrangements.
- Follow airport announcements and official travel advisories.
- Avoid relying on unverified social media claims about airport reopenings or flight operations.
Conclusion
- Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector continues to face significant disruption. Riyadh airport remains closed under the current notice, while Indian and international airlines have cancelled or adjusted services on affected routes. The timing of any resumption will depend on official safety assessments and individual airline announcements.
Business Galaxy will continue to monitor developments and publish verified updates as further information becomes available.
This report reflects information available on October 15, 2026. Flight schedules and restrictions may change at short notice.
