IndiGo suspends Saudi flights over Houthi attack risks

The low-cost carrier IndiGo has halted all flights to and from Saudi Arabia through October 17, citing heightened risks due to Houthi attacks. The suspension covers routes to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah, and the airline has urged passengers to check their travel plans before proceeding.

This move follows Saudi Arabia’s closure of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, its busiest hub after Jeddah, after missile and drone strikes. The facility has remained shut since a Saturday assault that killed 13 people and injured more than 300, marking the deadliest such incident in the kingdom in over a decade. A separate attack on Sunday resulted in one fatality and a dozen injuries.

The Iran-aligned Houthi militia in Yemen has taken credit for both strikes. On Monday, the group announced a missile strike on Riyadh airport and a drone attack on an airbase in Khamis Mushait, though Saudi authorities did not confirm the second claim. The Houthis have intensified their campaign in recent weeks, including a September 15 drone interception near Mecca.

The prolonged conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis has intensified since the group began targeting the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime corridor. The disruptions have already prompted global carriers—including major European and U.S. airlines, to pause operations in the region. Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have issued advisories warning of dangers in Saudi airspace.

IndiGo’s suspension impacts travelers, with the airline directing affected passengers to its booking contact channels for updates. Customer support teams remain on standby to assist those needing rebookings or refunds.

The situation remains fluid, with no clear timeline for resumption of services.