IndiGo extends flight curbs on 3 Saudi routes amid security concerns

NEW DELHI: IndiGo has extended the cancellation of flights to and from Riyadh until October 31, while services to Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah will remain suspended until October 27, amid heightened security concerns in Saudi Arabia following a deadly attack at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.In a travel advisory posted on X, the airline said the decision was taken after assessing the evolving security 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 airline said.IndiGo said it was monitoring developments closely and coordinating with the relevant authorities to assess the situation.“The safety and well-being of our customers and crew remain our highest priority,” the airline said, adding that affected passengers were being informed through the contact details provided at the time of booking.The airline advised passengers to check their flight status on its official website before leaving for the airport and apologised for the inconvenience caused by the cancellations.The announcement comes after an attack at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on Wednesday evening left two people, including an Indian national, dead and eight others injured, according to Saudi authorities.The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said on Thursday that one Indian national was among those killed, while two other Indian nationals were injured. The embassy said it was gathering further details and contacting the affected families.Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation identified the deceased as a Saudi citizen and an Indian resident. It said the injured included two Indian residents and nationals and residents of other countries. The injuries ranged from minor to severe, and the injured were receiving medical treatment in hospitals.The authority said airport operations had resumed and air traffic had returned to normal following the incident. Efforts to assess the damage and ensure the safety of passengers and airport staff were continuing.IndiGo's announcement follows a similar move by Akasa Air, which earlier extended the suspension of its flights to and from Riyadh and Jeddah until October 27, citing security concerns in the Middle East.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.