IndiGo extends Saudi Arabia flight suspensions to Jeddah, Madinah, Riyadh and Dammam

AI Summary

IndiGo has extended suspensions of flights to Jeddah, Madinah, Riyadh and Dammam through November because of safety and security concerns. The decision comes amid renewed Saudi-Houthi hostilities and reported attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including an attempted strike on an Aramco building in Riyadh.

IndiGo has extended the suspension of commercial flights to four destinations in Saudi Arabia amid continuing safety and security concerns, with services to Jeddah and Madinah halted until November 21 and those to Riyadh and Dammam suspended until November 30, 2026.The airline announced the extension in a travel advisory on social media platform X on November 10, stating that the decision followed a review of the prevailing security situation."Following a careful assessment of the safety and security considerations, IndiGo has further extended the suspension of flights to and from Jeddah and Madinah until 21 November 2026 (inclusive), and Riyadh and Dammam until 30 November 2026 (inclusive)," the airline announced in its advisory.IndiGo said it was contacting affected passengers through the details provided during booking. Customers are being informed about ticket re-accommodation, refunds and alternative travel arrangements."Timely notifications are being sent to affected customers using the contact details provided at the time of booking. We remain committed to keeping our customers informed and extending the necessary assistance during this period," the airline said.— IndiGo6E (@IndiGo6E) Reiterating its position on passenger and crew safety, the airline added, "The safety and security of our customers and crew remain our highest priority. We continue to closely monitor the situation and will share further updates as necessary."The extension comes amid renewed hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebels following the breakdown of a 2022 truce that had paused fighting in the country's prolonged civil war. The Houthis have previously targeted Saudi airports, energy infrastructure and military installations.On November 8, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy confirmed that an administrative building belonging to Saudi Aramco in Riyadh had been targeted in an attempted attack.An official source at the ministry said falling shrapnel caused minor damage to the building. No injuries or fatalities were reported."The incident resulted in falling shrapnel that caused minor damage to the building, with no injuries or fatalities reported, thankfully," the source stated.Also read: UAE flight cancellations continue as airlines suspend Saudi routes until November 19"The source added that the relevant authorities promptly responded to the incident and took the necessary measures," the ministry's statement added.The incident followed claims by Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree that the group had conducted six military operations targeting strategic and military installations across Saudi Arabia using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones.Saree claimed that the first operation targeted King Khalid International Airport, oil storage tanks and an Aramco distillation tower in Riyadh."The first operation targeted Khalid International Airport, oil storage tanks, and a distillation tower belonging to Aramco in the Saudi enemy's capital, Riyadh, and, by Allah's grace, successfully achieved its objective," Saree said.He also claimed that subsequent operations targeted Aramco facilities in Khurais, Pumping Station No. 8 in Dawadmi, a National Guard camp in Najran and troop positions east of Al-Jawf Governorate.The airline has not announced any further changes to the suspension dates.