Air India extends Saudi Arabia flight suspension to October 24 amid Houthi attacks

Air India and Air India Express on Saturday extended the suspension of their flights to Saudi Arabia until October 24, citing escalating geopolitical tensions in the region.

“In view of the prevailing situation, Air India and Air India Express have temporarily suspended flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam until 24 October 2026,” the airline said in a travel advisory posted on X, adding it was committed to providing as much flexibility as possible and was closely monitoring the situation.

The announcement extends Friday’s earlier move, when Air India had cancelled its Saudi flights only until October 20, while Air India Express had suspended operations until October 17. Rival Indian carriers acted earlier: IndiGo announced on Thursday it was extending cancellations to Saudi cities until October 24, and Akasa Air extended its Riyadh suspension until October 24 and Jeddah until October 21.

Passengers holding confirmed Air India or Air India Express bookings issued on or before October 15, with travel dates between October 9 and 25, can make a one-time complimentary date change up to November 10. Air India guests may rebook to or from Dubai or Doha, while Air India Express guests may use Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Salalah or Sharjah. Passengers whose flights were cancelled may also opt for a full refund.

The disruptions follow the October 10 attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, whose death toll rose to 13 after the Indian Embassy confirmed an injured Indian national had died. On Friday, Yemen’s internationally recognised government accused the Houthis of targeting Aden International Airport with two missiles that landed near a Yemenia aircraft preparing for takeoff to Cairo.

Sources: Deccan Herald (PTI) | The Tribune (ANI)