If you work in Saudi Arabia and were planning to fly back from Kerala this month, you have probably already seen it: your flight is cancelled, again. Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo have now stopped their Saudi flights till 14 November 2026, and Akasa Air has paused some routes even longer. Here is what is going on, and what you can actually do about it.
Why Are Saudi Flights Cancelled?
Since 8 October, Houthi attacks have hit airports in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Abha and Dammam. Riyadh airport was closed for a while and reopened on 18 October with restrictions. Indian airlines have been suspending flights for safety reasons since then, and the end date keeps moving.
Which Flights Are Affected (As Of 31 October)
- Air India and Air India Express: no flights between India and Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam till 14 November.
- IndiGo: no flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah till 14 November.
- Akasa Air: Jeddah paused till 10 November, Riyadh till 30 November.
Earlier this month, Kozhikode airport alone saw 22 flights cancelled in a single day. Tickets on the few remaining options to Jeddah were reported at nearly four times the normal price.
What You Can Do Now
- Check before you leave home. Open the airline’s app or website and check your flight status on the day you travel. Keep your phone number and email in the booking up to date so you get alerts.
- Ask for a free rebooking or a refund. Air India Express says it offers free rescheduling or a full refund for its Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam flights. Reports also say tickets issued on or before 30 October, for travel up to 14 November, get one free date change, subject to seats. Confirm the exact option with your airline or travel agent.
- Look at another route. The Indian Embassy has suggested that people who must travel urgently consider going via Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar. You will need the right visa for that country and your own onward travel into Saudi, so check the rules before you book.
- Tell your employer early. Send your company a message with your cancelled flight details. Keep the cancellation email or SMS as proof, in case your return is delayed.
A Few Things To Keep In Mind
- Do not go to the airport without checking. Schedules are changing at short notice.
- Be careful with agents promising “guaranteed seats” at very high prices. Book only through the airline or a travel agent you trust.
- Follow the advisories from the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah, and the Saudi authorities.
Worried about your job while you are stuck in Kerala? Read: Saudi flight delays: how stranded workers can protect their job.
We will update this page when airlines announce new dates. Looking for work while you wait? See the latest Gulf jobs on GluJob.
Sources: Travel And Tour World (31 Oct 2026), Gulf News (22 Oct 2026), Onmanorama (22 Oct 2026), Wego flight status guide (20 Oct 2026). Dates can change; always confirm with your airline.