IndiGo Extends Saudi Flight Suspension to November 30 for Riyadh and Dammam

The Indian airline announced the extension in a post on X on November 10, saying the decision followed "a careful assessment of the safety and security considerations." It said affected customers were being notified using the contact details given at booking, and added: "The safety and security of our customers and crew remain our highest priority." The carrier said it was monitoring the situation in the Middle East and would issue further updates.

The extension prolongs a disruption on some of the busiest routes between India and the Gulf. Jeddah and Madinah are the main gateways for pilgrims travelling to Mecca and Medina, while Riyadh and Dammam serve large numbers of Indian workers in the kingdom's capital and its Eastern Province. IndiGo's suspension of Riyadh flights began in mid-October.

The decision follows Saudi Arabia's reports that it had intercepted missiles and drones launched by Yemen's Houthis, while the United States maintains its naval blockade of Iran despite renewed diplomatic efforts. European aviation authorities have kept conflict-zone warnings covering the Gulf and neighbouring airspace in place until November 16.

The split dates suggest IndiGo is assessing the western Saudi airports, Jeddah and Madinah, separately from Riyadh and Dammam in the centre and east of the country, and could restore the western routes first. Passengers transiting through Dubai, Abu Dhabi or other regional hubs have been advised to check that onward connections are operating before travelling.

The next decision point for the Jeddah and Madinah services falls on November 21, when the current suspension on those routes expires.