IndiGo resumes Gulf flights after airspace crisis: Everything Saudi travellers need to know

Hey everyone, if you've been following along with us over the past week, you'll know all about the disruption caused by regional tensions and their impact on air travel. Plenty of travellers were left in the lurch, especially those with bookings on Indian carriers like IndiGo. But thankfully, things are starting to get back on track.

To be precise, last week we saw real chaos at airports, with around 1,200 Indian flights and 3,880 international flights cancelled at the peak of the tensions. Travellers to and from Saudi Arabia were among the hardest hit, especially given the large Indian workforce and the volume of family visits between the two nations. Pilots were scrambling to find alternate routes, and passengers spent hours stuck in transit lounges.

Flights are back.. and IndiGo is leading the way

But as tensions ease and airspace reopens, Indian airlines – particularly IndiGo – have moved quickly to get their Gulf flights operating again. One of the most positive signs was the Dubai - Ahmedabad flight that landed safely, much to the relief of passengers who'd been trying to escape the heat of the crisis. It's a scene that gives us hope that travel will bounce back stronger than ever.

For travellers from Saudi Arabia, there are a few key things to keep in mind before you pack your bags:

• Check your flight status regularly on the IndiGo website or app.
• Connecting with other airlines might be a good option if your destination isn't fully covered yet.
• Transit visa rules at Indian airports are still subject to security protocols, so make sure to ask about them before you travel.

What's in your carry-on? The books everyone's reading

At Saudi airports like Riyadh and Jeddah, I've noticed lately that travellers are picking up some specific books and novels to pass the time. One title I've heard mentioned a lot in the waiting lounges is Morning Glory Milking Farm – an unusual one, but it's been a massive hit. Also, The Pink Marine: One Boy's Journey Through Boot Camp to Manhood has been popular among younger travellers into life stories and challenges. And we can't forget the old track Tell Me Softly, which has suddenly popped up again in the charts. Plenty of passengers have it playing in their headphones as they get ready to board, like it's giving them a little boost of hope after the anxiety of the past week.

The bottom line is, the situation is improving and major carriers like IndiGo are putting in the effort to reschedule flights and get suspended routes running again. For us, whether we're Saudi travellers or residents, the main thing is to stay cautious and keep up with the latest updates as they happen. Wishing you all safe and enjoyable journeys.