October 18, 2026 — Akasa Air has extended its suspension of all flights to and from Riyadh and Jeddah through October 27, even though Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport reopened on Sunday.
What happened
The Indian low-cost carrier announced the extension on Sunday, October 18, citing the security situation in the Middle East. Flights to both Saudi cities are suspended through October 27, 2026, inclusive. Before this change, The National listed Akasa’s Riyadh suspension as running to October 24 and its Jeddah suspension to October 21, so Riyadh is now out for three more days and Jeddah for six more.
Akasa said passenger and crew safety is its top concern and that it is monitoring developments in real time. “The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority,” the airline said.
| Route | Previous end date | New end date |
|---|---|---|
| Riyadh | October 24 | October 27 (inclusive) |
| Jeddah | October 21 | October 27 (inclusive) |
Options for affected passengers
- A full refund to the original form of payment within seven days, or
- A free change to new travel dates.
- Passengers who booked through a travel agent or other partner should contact that partner directly.
Background
Riyadh’s airport closed after attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. An October 10 attack at the airport killed an Indian national and injured several other people. The airport reopened on Sunday, October 18, but many foreign airlines have not yet returned. Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo list their Saudi suspensions as running to October 24, according to The National. Return dates after the 27th are TBA.
What it means for non-revs
- No Akasa seats to Riyadh or Jeddah before October 28 at the earliest. With Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo also suspended to October 24, direct capacity between India and Saudi Arabia is very thin.
- Expect full flights when service resumes. The first flights back will carry passengers rebooked from about two and a half weeks of cancellations, so standby chances will be poor at first.
- Do not count on a Gulf connection. Several Gulf carriers have their own Saudi cancellations. Check the current status of each leg before you list.
- An open airport does not mean flights are running. Wait for the airline to confirm before setting out.
Sources
- ANI News — Akasa Air extends Riyadh, Jeddah flight suspension until October 27 amid escalating tensions
- The National — Riyadh airport reopens: Which airlines are still cancelling flights to Saudi Arabia?
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