RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, October 14, 2026 — Update to our October 13 story. King Khalid International Airport (RUH) is still closed, and Saudi Arabia has not published a reopening date. In the past day, three Indian airlines pushed their cancellations out to October 17, and a decision on reopening is expected within days.
What changed since Tuesday
- Still no reopening date: Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) says the airport has been shut since October 10 so it can verify facilities and operational readiness, Indoneo reports. The notice to pilots (NOTAM) still runs to 21:00 UTC on October 17. Confirmed reopening: TBA.
- Decision expected soon: Indoneo says a decision on a reopening date is expected within days. No specific day has been given.
- Indian airlines extend to October 17: Air India has cancelled Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah flights until October 17, an extension of its earlier Riyadh suspension to October 15. IndiGo has cancelled Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until October 17. Akasa Air has suspended Riyadh and Jeddah until October 17, according to NewsX and DD News.
- Refunds: Air India is offering full refunds. Akasa Air is offering a full refund or a free date change, DD News reports.
- Saudi carriers still flying elsewhere: Saudia and flynas are still running some scheduled departures from Dammam, Jeddah and Medina, according to Indoneo.
- Overstay fines waived: Saudi Arabia has waived overstay fines for Indian nationals on visit, tourist, Umrah or business visas who could not leave because there were no flights. The waiver runs from October 13 until flights resume, Indoneo reports.
Airline suspensions now reported
| Airline | What is affected | Through |
|---|---|---|
| Etihad | Abu Dhabi–Riyadh | Oct 19 |
| Air India | Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah | Oct 17 |
| IndiGo | Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Madinah | Oct 17 |
| Akasa Air | Riyadh, Jeddah | Oct 17 |
Etihad’s date is from The National on October 12; the others are from NewsX and DD News on October 13. Airlines are changing dates daily, so check with the carrier.
What it means for non-revs
- Riyadh stays off the table through at least October 17. Even after the NOTAM ends, each airline decides for itself when to go back.
- Jeddah and Dammam are not an easy way around. Indian carriers have cut those cities too, and Saudia and flynas are running only some flights there.
- Expect almost no standby seats when Riyadh reopens. Passengers stranded for a week or more will fill the first flights.
- Gulf and Indian hubs will stay busy. Rebooked Saudi passengers are moving through other airports, so check loads on onward flights before you list.
Sources
- Indoneo — Riyadh’s airport closure is outlasting the attack that caused it
- NewsX — Air India Extends Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam Flight Suspension Till October 17; IndiGo, Akasa Follow Amid Houthi Attack
- DD News — IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air suspend Saudi Arabia flights until October 17 amid security concerns
- The National — Riyadh airport closure: Etihad cancels flights until October 19
- Aerospace Global News — When will Riyadh airport reopen?
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