Akasa Air Extends Riyadh and Jeddah Flight Suspension Until Oct 27
Akasa Air extends flight suspensions to Riyadh and Jeddah until October 27 due to security risks in the Middle East. Find refund and travel details.
In response to the deteriorating security climate in the Middle East, Akasa Air has announced the extension of its flight suspensions to and from Riyadh and Jeddah. The airline confirmed that all operations to these Saudi Arabian cities will remain halted up to and including October 27, 2026, prioritizing the safety of its passengers and crew members.
Safety First: The Reason Behind the Halt
The decision comes after a rigorous assessment of the current security risks and the potential impact on safe flight operations. Taking to the social media platform X, Akasa Air stated that the move is a direct result of the prevailing security situation in the region. The carrier emphasized that it is monitoring developments in real time to determine when it is safe to resume services.
The heightened tension in Saudi Arabia is largely attributed to reported missile and drone attacks launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels, which has forced several airlines to rethink their operational strategies in the kingdom.
Options for Affected Passengers
Akasa Air has provided two primary options for travelers whose flights have been cancelled due to this suspension:
- Full Refunds: Passengers can opt for a complete refund, which the airline promises will be credited back to the original payment source within seven working days.
- Rescheduling: Travelers may choose to reschedule their flights to a later date at no additional cost.
Passengers who made their bookings through third-party travel agents have been advised to contact their respective partners directly for further assistance.
Indian Embassy Issues Urgent Advisory
Parallel to the airline's decision, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh has issued a critical safety advisory for Indian nationals living in Saudi Arabia. Residents are urged to adhere to revised emergency guidelines provided by local authorities to ensure their safety.
Key Safety Instructions for Residents:
- Stay indoors until the immediate danger has passed.
- Keep a safe distance from glass structures and windows.
- Avoid going to rooftops, balconies, or attending large public gatherings.
- Refrain from photographing security incidents or sharing sensitive information online.
The embassy also highlighted emergency contact numbers for residents: 911 for those in Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, and the Eastern Province, and 998 for all other regions of Saudi Arabia.
A Growing Trend Among Indian Carriers
Akasa Air is not alone in this cautious approach. Other major Indian carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, have previously suspended flights to various Saudi cities as the security situation evolved.
The anxiety surrounding air travel in the region was further amplified following an attack on October 10 at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. That incident resulted in the death of an Indian national and left several others injured, prompting Indian diplomatic officials to double down on precautionary measures for all citizens currently in the country.