India-Saudi flights disrupted as Akasa extends Jeddah, Riyadh suspension

Indian airlines have suspended several Saudi services amid attacks on civilian infrastructure. The disruption has affected expatriates and Umrah pilgrims while prompting heightened safety advisories.

In Short

• An Indian national died and two were injured in Dammam attack
• Embassy advisories urge Indians to stay indoors during aerial attacks
• Consular teams are assisting Umrah pilgrims with alternative travel arrangements

Flights between India and Saudi Arabia continue to face disruption amid the security situation in the kingdom, news agency Press Trust of India reported. Akasa Air on Sunday extended the suspension of its Jeddah services until November 18 and Riyadh services until November 30.

The announcement came two days after Air India and Air India Express said flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam would remain suspended until November 14. IndiGo has also suspended services to several Saudi destinations until November 14.

The disruptions follow attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including airports. In a statement issued on October 22, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said an Indian national was killed and two others were injured in the October 21 attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, PTI reported.

Another Indian national was injured in an attack on Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oil field in the Eastern Province. The Embassy said it was in contact with the Saudi authorities and would provide all possible assistance to the affected Indians.

India had earlier condemned attacks on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, saying that targeting civilian infrastructure was unacceptable.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for several attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia, including airports and energy infrastructure. The group has carried out missile and drone attacks on the kingdom amid the wider regional conflict.

In its advisories, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh asked Indian nationals to remain calm and vigilant, stay indoors during an air attack and follow instructions issued by local authorities. It also urged them not to circulate or repost videos or news related to the developments.

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has been coordinating with airlines, local authorities and community organisations to help affected Indian nationals, particularly Umrah pilgrims, and arrange alternative travel.

Saudi carriers, however, continue to operate some flights to India. The Indian Embassy had earlier said limited operations had resumed at Riyadh airport, including India-bound flynas services, while Saudi airlines were operating flights from Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah.

Passengers have been advised to confirm flight schedules with airlines before travelling. Saudi Arabia has a large Indian expatriate population and is a major destination for Indians travelling for Umrah.

Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo have suspended services to several Saudi destinations until November 14, while Akasa Air's suspension will remain in place until November 18 for Jeddah and November 30 for Riyadh.

With PTI Inputs

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