Akasa Air Extends Flight Suspensions to Jeddah and Riyadh
Akasa Air extends flight suspensions to Jeddah and Riyadh due to security concerns in Saudi Arabia. Find out the new dates and refund options.
In a move driven by escalating security concerns, Akasa Air Saudi flights to and from two major destinations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have seen their suspensions extended. The airline announced on Friday that it is continuing to halt operations to Jeddah and Riyadh as it monitors a volatile safety environment in the region.
New Suspension Deadlines
Following a rigorous assessment of the prevailing security situation, Akasa Air has updated its flight schedules. The suspension periods have been extended as follows:
- Jeddah: Flights remain suspended until and including November 10, 2026.
- Riyadh: Flights remain suspended until and including November 30, 2026.
The airline emphasized that the safety and well-being of its crew and passengers are the highest priority, stating that they are assessing the situation in real time to determine when it is safe to resume operations.
Options for Affected Passengers
For those whose travel plans have been disrupted by these cancellations, Akasa Air has provided two primary options:
- Full Refunds: Passengers can opt for a complete refund, which will be credited back to the original payment source within seven working days.
- Rescheduling: Travelers may reschedule their flights to a later date at no additional cost.
Passengers who made their bookings through third-party travel agents or partners have been advised to contact those providers directly for further assistance.
Regional Tensions and Security Threats
The decision comes amidst a wave of attacks targeting critical infrastructure and civilian areas within Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) recently condemned strikes on the Saudi Aramco Shaybah oil field and the King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, which occurred on October 21.
Tragically, these attacks have had a direct impact on Indian nationals. Reports indicate that one Indian citizen was killed and two others were injured during the incident at the Dammam airport, while another Indian national was injured in the Shaybah oil field attack.
India's Efforts to Repatriate Stranded Pilgrims
With flights being disrupted, the Indian government has stepped in to assist citizens stranded in the Kingdom. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal revealed that the Indian Embassy and Consulate in Saudi Arabia are working closely with tour operators and airlines to bring home Umrah pilgrims.
According to the MEA:
- Approximately 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims have returned to India in the last week.
- Over 10,000 other pilgrims have successfully traveled home using available flights.
To ensure the safety of all Indian nationals, 24-hour control rooms have been established in both Riyadh and Jeddah. These centers are issuing regular advisories and coordinating with community volunteers to facilitate the earliest possible return of the remaining pilgrims.
India has called for an immediate cessation of attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure, expressing hope for a swift return to peace and normalcy in the region.