Air India, IndiGo cancel and divert Riyadh flights after missile threat

Air India and IndiGo cancelled and diverted numerous flights to Riyadh on Thursday, October 8, 2026, due to a developing regional situation. The airline disruptions ensued after Iran-aligned Houthi rebels launched a missile towards Riyadh International Airport. Air India's flight AI2243 from Delhi to Riyadh returned to Delhi out of concern for passenger and crew safety, with the service subsequently being cancelled and full refunds offered to affected passengers.

The airline also announced that it would suspend all flights to and from Riyadh until October 10, citing the evolving situation. Passengers impacted by these cancellations were assured full refunds and assured that the airline was vigilantly monitoring the situation. Air India Express likewise cancelled its Riyadh services until October 10.

An IndiGo flight from Hyderabad to Riyadh was redirected to Dammam on Thursday, though the airline did not disclose further details on the diversion. Air India reportedly evacuated its crew from Riyadh to Dammam via road, while Air India Express instructed its crew to remain in their current location. IndiGo also cancelled Riyadh-Delhi and Hyderabad-Riyadh flights scheduled for both Thursday and Friday, as well as Riyadh-Mumbai flights for Friday.

The airline described the situation as "still evolving," indicating that further schedule changes may be necessary. Airlines advised passengers with bookings on Riyadh routes to verify the latest flight status before arriving at the airport or making onward connections.