Indian airlines have again pushed back the restart of their Saudi Arabia services, leaving many Umrah pilgrims and their families in India unsure how to travel. Saudi flights suspended by Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Akasa Air now stay grounded until at least November 14, and some Akasa routes until the end of the month, the airlines said in advisories issued between October 28 and November 1, 2026.
The carriers point to regional security concerns and airspace restrictions. The disruption affects services to Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam and Madinah, the main gateways for Indian Umrah zaireen and for Indians working in the Kingdom.
Which Saudi flights are suspended, and until when
- Air India and Air India Express: Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam services suspended up to and including November 14.
- IndiGo: Saudi services, including Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah, cancelled until November 14.
- Akasa Air: Riyadh flights suspended until November 30. In a November 1 advisory reported by Gulf News, Akasa extended its Jeddah suspension to November 18, later than the November 10 date it had given earlier.
Refunds and rebooking for Umrah pilgrims
Air India group: passengers holding confirmed tickets issued on or before October 30 for travel up to November 14 can change their booking once at no charge, subject to seats, for travel up to November 29. They can instead ask for a full refund. Air India passengers can rebook to any Air India station still operating in Saudi Arabia; Air India Express passengers can also choose an operating station in Bahrain. Air India can be reached on +91 11 69329333 or +91 11 69329999, and Air India Express on +91 124 6935600.
Akasa Air: passengers can take a full refund to the original payment method within seven days, or reschedule at no extra cost. Tickets booked through a travel agent must be handled through that agent.
IndiGo: the airline says it is contacting affected customers directly. Pilgrims should check the booking section of the IndiGo app or website before going to the airport.
Other ways to travel
Saudi budget carrier flynas has added flights on select dates from Dammam to Lucknow, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kozhikode and Kochi, and from Riyadh to Delhi, Hyderabad and Kozhikode. According to the Consulate General of India in Jeddah, Saudi carriers are still flying from Jeddah and Madinah to India, and one-stop connections through other airlines’ hubs are also possible.
Help for pilgrims already in Makkah and Madinah
In an October 24 advisory, the Consulate said it runs round-the-clock control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah that can help with food and essential medicines where feasible. It is in touch with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on visa validity for pilgrims whose return has been delayed, and with Indian airlines on refund problems. Pilgrims facing an extended stay can call Saudi Arabia’s Pilgrim Care Center on 1966 and should note down the case reference number they are given.
For families in Jalna, Marathwada and elsewhere in Maharashtra, most Umrah groups fly out of Mumbai, so a cancelled Mumbai–Jeddah sector usually means rebooking the whole group. Ask your Umrah operator in writing which flight you are now booked on, and confirm the status with the airline yourself before leaving for the airport.
Key facts
- Airlines: Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Akasa Air
- Cities affected: Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Madinah
- Air India group and IndiGo: suspended up to November 14; no restart date confirmed yet
- Akasa: Jeddah to November 18, Riyadh to November 30
- Air India group free rebooking window: travel up to November 29
- Help in Saudi Arabia: Pilgrim Care Center 1966; Indian Consulate control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah
Also read: Saudi Arabia Flight Disruptions: A Practical Guide for Umrah Travellers | उमरा यात्रा में धोखाधड़ी से कैसे बचें? | How to Pray Salah While Traveling: Qasr and Combining Prayers
FAQ
My Umrah flight on Air India was cancelled. Can I get my money back?
Yes. Air India and Air India Express offer either one free rebooking for travel up to November 29 or a full refund for eligible tickets.
Is the Umrah season itself stopped?
No. The suspensions are airline decisions about specific routes. Saudi carriers are still flying some routes to India, according to the Indian Consulate in Jeddah.
Who do I call if I am stuck in Makkah?
Call the Pilgrim Care Center on 1966, keep your case reference number, and contact your Umrah operator and the Indian Consulate’s control room.
Source: Gulf News — gulfnews.com; PTI via Deccan Chronicle — deccanchronicle.com
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