Air India flight returns to Delhi after security alert near Riyadh airport
An Air India flight travelling from Delhi to Riyadh returned to the Indian capital on Thursday evening after missile attacks targeting airports in Saudi Arabia raised concerns about aviation safety in the region.
Flight AI 2243 departed Indira Gandhi International Airport at approximately 2.45 pm and had been in the air for nearly two hours when the crew decided to turn back after receiving information about the security situation in Riyadh. The aircraft landed safely on runway 29R at around 6.50 pm, according to airport sources.
Air India said the decision was taken to protect passengers and crew. The airline subsequently cancelled the service and offered passengers full refunds. It also announced that flights to and from Riyadh would remain suspended until October 10 because of the developing situation.
Air India Express has also suspended its Riyadh services until October 10. Passengers affected by the cancellations have been offered complimentary rescheduling or full refunds. The airline operates daily flights between Kozhikode and Riyadh, along with services from Bengaluru, Kochi and Kannur several times a week.
IndiGo announced cancellations on the Riyadh route through October 9, citing security concerns. Akasa Air also cancelled its Kochi–Riyadh flight QP 523 on Thursday and the corresponding return service, QP 524.
Amid the developments, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh issued an advisory asking Indian nationals to remain alert, follow instructions from Saudi authorities and stay indoors where necessary. It also urged people not to circulate or repost videos and news relating to the ongoing events.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned attacks targeting Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport. The ministry said the strikes had caused civilian deaths and injuries, describing attacks on civilian infrastructure as unacceptable.
The MEA also conveyed condolences to the families of those killed, wished the injured a speedy recovery and expressed India’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its people.
The flight suspensions underline the growing impact of the regional security situation on international air travel, with airlines continuing to monitor developments before resuming normal operations.