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

Air India, the state‑owned carrier, and IndiGo, India’s largest low‑cost airline, announced on Monday that they were cancelling and diverting flights bound for Riyadh after a missile was reportedly launched towards the Saudi capital by Houthi rebels based in Yemen. The airlines said the decision was taken in line with safety protocols and in consultation with relevant authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. The move reflects the growing volatility in the region, where the conflict between the Houthi movement and the Saudi‑UAE coalition has increasingly spilled over into the airspace over the Red Sea and the Arabian Peninsula.The missile incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, was confirmed by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), which issued an immediate notice to all airlines operating in the region to avoid the airspace surrounding Riyadh International Airport..

GACA’s advisory warned that an unidentified projectile had been detected moving in the direction of the airport’s approach corridor, prompting the temporary closure of the runway and the activation of emergency response procedures. No injuries were reported, and the missile was believed to have fallen short of its intended target, but the incident raised concerns about the safety of commercial air traffic in a corridor that handles thousands of flights each week.The Houthi movement, which controls large swaths of Yemen’s territory, has been engaged in a protracted war with the Saudi‑UAE alliance since 2015. Over the past year, the rebels have increasingly employed missile and drone attacks against Saudi infrastructure, including oil facilities, ports and airports..

While the group has previously claimed responsibility for strikes on Saudi oil refineries and the capital’s King Khalid International Airport, this is the first time a missile has been reported heading directly towards an active runway at Riyadh International. The attack comes amid a broader escalation in the Gulf region, with the United States and its allies warning of a possible expansion of hostilities and the United Nations calling for renewed diplomatic efforts to de‑escalate tensions.Air India’s statement emphasized that passenger safety remained its “paramount concern” and that the airline had rerouted its scheduled flights to alternate airports, including Doha and Muscat, where feasible. The carrier also pledged to keep passengers informed about re‑booking options and refund policies..

IndiGo, which operates a dense network of daily flights to and from Saudi Arabia, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the airline would be working closely with its partners in the Middle East to accommodate affected travellers. Both carriers said they would monitor the situation closely and resume normal operations as soon as the risk was deemed manageable by the relevant aviation authorities.The cancellations have had a ripple effect on the broader aviation ecosystem. Riyadh International Airport, one of the busiest hubs in the Gulf, handles a mix of passenger, cargo and diplomatic flights, and the temporary shutdown forced airlines from Europe, Asia and Africa to adjust their flight plans..

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued a short‑term advisory to airlines operating in the region, recommending that they review flight paths and consider alternative routing to avoid potential threats. Cargo operators, many of whom rely on the Riyadh hub for the swift movement of goods between the Middle East and South Asia, reported delays that could affect supply chains for perishable items and high‑value commodities.Analysts note that the incident underscores the challenges facing airlines that operate across conflict‑prone zones. “The risk environment has become increasingly complex,” said a senior aviation consultant at a London‑based think‑tank..

“Airlines must balance commercial imperatives with the need to protect passengers and crew, and that often means making swift, costly decisions when threats materialise.” The consultant added that insurers are likely to reassess premiums for routes that traverse contested airspace, which could raise operating costs for carriers that continue to serve the market.The Indian government, through its Ministry of External Affairs, condemned the missile launch as a violation of international norms and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. In a statement, the ministry said it was closely monitoring the situation and liaising with Saudi authorities to ensure the safety of Indian nationals travelling to and from the Kingdom. The ministry also reminded Indian passport holders in Saudi Arabia to stay alert and follow the instructions of local authorities..

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that the DGCA was in constant contact with both Air India and IndiGo, providing guidance on route planning and risk assessment.The incident has reignited discussions about the broader strategic implications of Houthi attacks on Saudi aviation. Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in expanding its aviation infrastructure, positioning Riyadh as a key node in its Vision 2030 plan to transform the kingdom into a global tourism and logistics hub. Repeated threats to the country’s airspace could undermine investor confidence and deter airlines from expanding capacity on Middle Eastern routes..

In response, Saudi officials have pledged to bolster air defence systems around critical infrastructure, including the deployment of advanced radar and missile‑intercept technology, to protect civilian aircraft from future incursions.International reactions have been swift. The United States, which maintains a significant military presence in the Gulf, issued a statement expressing “deep concern” over the missile launch and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the safety of commercial aviation in the region. The UK’s Foreign Office echoed similar sentiments, urging all parties to respect the sanctity of civilian air traffic..

The United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) also highlighted the potential humanitarian fallout of disrupted flights, noting that many migrant workers from South Asia rely on regular air links between their home countries and Saudi Arabia for employment and family reunions.For passengers, the sudden cancellations have meant a scramble to secure alternative travel arrangements. Travel agents reported a surge in demand for seats on flights to Doha, Bahrain and Kuwait, as well as an uptick in last‑minute hotel bookings in these cities. Some travellers expressed frustration over the lack of immediate clarity regarding re‑booking timelines, while others appreciated the prompt communication from the airlines and the assistance offered by consular services..

Consumer advocacy groups have called for greater transparency from airlines when dealing with geopolitical disruptions, arguing that passengers should receive clear information about the criteria used to decide on cancellations or diversions.In the days ahead, the situation remains fluid. Aviation authorities in Saudi Arabia are conducting a thorough investigation into the missile launch, working with international partners to trace its origin and assess any further threat vectors. Both Air India and IndiGo have indicated that they will continue to monitor developments and adjust their flight schedules accordingly, with a view to restoring regular service once safety can be assured..

The episode serves as a stark reminder that commercial aviation, despite its reputation for reliability, remains vulnerable to the broader currents of regional conflict, and that airlines must stay vigilant in.