Flight AI2243 departed Indira Gandhi International Airport at approximately 2.45 pm but reversed course after its crew received information about the deteriorating security situation around King Khalid International Airport. The aircraft landed safely in Delhi at approximately 6.50 pm.
Air India subsequently cancelled the service and announced the suspension of flights to and from Riyadh until October 10. The airline said passenger and crew safety remained its overriding consideration, with affected travellers eligible for refunds.
The disruption followed claims by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement that it had launched ballistic missiles towards Riyadh’s international airport. Saudi authorities confirmed intercepting missiles targeting the capital but had not independently confirmed the Houthis’ claim that a missile struck the airport.
Explosions were heard around Riyadh, while smoke was observed rising from an aircraft parked at the airport. The circumstances surrounding the damage remained under examination, with no confirmed casualty figures directly attributable to Thursday’s airport incident.
Air India Express also cancelled Riyadh services until October 10, offering affected passengers complimentary rescheduling or full refunds. IndiGo suspended flights through October 9, while Akasa Air halted operations to the Saudi capital until October 10.
Akasa Air cancelled two scheduled services between Kochi and Riyadh. IndiGo diverted a Hyderabad-Riyadh flight to Dammam and cancelled services connecting Riyadh with Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai.
The cancellations affected passengers travelling between Saudi Arabia and several cities across India, disrupting business journeys, family visits and scheduled connections. Airlines advised customers to monitor flight notifications and contact their operators before proceeding to airports.
The Embassy of India in Riyadh urged nationals residing in Saudi Arabia to remain vigilant, exercise caution and follow instructions issued by local authorities. Its advisory encouraged people to stay indoors when necessary and rely on official communications for security information.
The disruption extended beyond carriers operating from India. Germany’s Lufthansa Group suspended flights to Riyadh until October 16, citing developments across the Middle East. Other international operators cancelled or delayed services as airport movements became increasingly uncertain.
Aviation analytics company Cirium recorded substantial cancellations at King Khalid International Airport. By 1500 GMT on Thursday, almost half of scheduled departures had been cancelled, demonstrating the scale of disruption to one of Saudi Arabia’s principal aviation gateways.
FlightAware recorded more than 275 cancellations during Thursday, covering approximately 40 per cent of scheduled arrivals and 30 per cent of departures. The figures reflected widespread operational uncertainty as airlines assessed the risks of approaching the capital.
Flightradar24 indicated that airport operations had temporarily stopped during the afternoon. The tracking service observed an extended interval without aircraft arrivals or departures, although the precise duration of restrictions was not immediately established.
The Houthi movement’s military spokesman, Yahya Saree, claimed responsibility for attacks involving ballistic and cruise missiles against Saudi aviation facilities. The group also identified Najran airport among its targets and warned of further operations against Saudi infrastructure.
Saudi authorities said missiles approaching Riyadh had been intercepted. Falling fragments reportedly damaged civilian facilities, including a medical complex and a kindergarten, highlighting risks extending beyond airports and other intended targets.
Saudi officials had earlier confirmed three deaths during attacks involving Riyadh and Abha airports this week. Those casualties were associated with separate incidents and were not confirmed as resulting from Thursday’s claimed strike on King Khalid International Airport.
The security situation has complicated airline decisions because a flight may remain operationally viable at departure but encounter changing restrictions before reaching its destination. Operators must assess airport accessibility, airspace conditions and potential diversion requirements throughout each journey.
For passengers aboard AI2243, the decision to return meant completing an international journey without reaching Saudi airspace. Air India confirmed the cancellation after the aircraft returned, rather than attempting another departure later that evening.
The carrier’s temporary suspension applies to both inbound and outbound Riyadh services, while Air India Express has provided passengers with alternatives through its customer support channels.
Riyadh remains connected to multiple cities across India through direct passenger services operated by several airlines. Aviation schedules for October show extensive weekly operations linking the Saudi capital with Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi and other destinations.
