India-Saudi Air Travel Hits Turbulence: Airlines Extend Flight Cancellations Amid Regional Conflict
New Delhi: Indian aviation has been severely impacted by the escalating security crisis in the Middle East, with major carriers extending the suspension of flight services to Saudi Arabia. The move follows a series of aggressive drone and missile strikes launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeting Riyadh’s international airport and surrounding infrastructure.
Airlines Halt Operations as Security Concerns Mount
Flag carrier Air India confirmed on Monday that its flight operations to and from Riyadh will remain suspended until October 15. This decision reflects a broader trend among Indian airlines, which are prioritizing passenger safety as the security situation in the Saudi capital remains volatile.
IndiGo has mirrored this stance, declaring that its scheduled services to both Riyadh and Dammam are cancelled until October 15. Meanwhile, Air India Express has ceased operations to Dammam and Jeddah for October 12, while suspending all routes to Riyadh until the mid-month deadline. Budget carrier Akasa Air has also joined the list of airlines clearing their schedules, halting flights to Jeddah and Riyadh through October 13.
Conflict Spills Over Into Civil Aviation
The disruptions are a direct consequence of intensifying hostility involving Iran-aligned Houthi forces. Recent days have seen a marked uptick in attacks targeting energy infrastructure and airports within Saudi Arabia, complicating regional air traffic and forcing authorities to impose strict restrictions on Saudi airspace.
The Saudi-led coalition, which provides military support to the Yemeni government, reported the detection of multiple aerial projectiles on Monday. While there have been no immediate reports regarding specific damage or casualties from this latest barrage, the sustained threat has forced the closure of Riyadh’s airport, effectively cutting off one of the region’s busiest transit hubs.
Passenger Impact and Safety Protocols
The ongoing uncertainty has left thousands of travelers stranded, as airlines struggle to manage the ripple effects of closed airspace. For the Indian aviation sector, which relies heavily on the Middle East corridor for transit and migrant worker traffic, these disruptions represent a significant logistical challenge.
Airlines have maintained that the primary driver for these extensive cancellations is the need to ensure the absolute safety of passengers and crew. With the geopolitical landscape showing few signs of immediate stabilization, carriers are being forced to constantly evaluate their operational viability.
As the conflict between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition continues to expand, the aviation industry remains on high alert. The temporary cessation of flights underscores the precarious nature of regional travel, with industry analysts suggesting that further extensions to these cancellations are possible if the security environment in Riyadh does not see a swift improvement. For now, travelers are being urged to check their flight statuses regularly and coordinate with their respective airlines before planning any travel to the region.
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