Air India Halts Saudi Flights Until Oct 20 Amid Houthi Attacks
Air India suspends flights to Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah until Oct 20 following Houthi attacks on Saudi aviation infrastructure.
Air India has announced the extension of flight cancellations to and from three major Saudi Arabian cities—Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah—until October 20, 2026. This decision comes as a direct response to the volatile security environment in the Kingdom, following a series of attacks targeting civilian airports and aviation infrastructure.
Safety First: Air India's Stance
In a statement shared on X, the airline emphasized that the safety and security of its passengers and crew are the highest priorities. The carrier noted that it is closely monitoring the evolving situation and continuously assessing developments to determine when it can safely resume its flight operations.
To assist those impacted by the sudden disruptions, Air India is offering full refunds to affected passengers.
International Condemnation and Security Threats
The suspension follows a strong condemnation from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council. The UN specialized agency, which consists of 193 member states, expressed solidarity with the Saudi government and people, deploring the targeting of civil aviation infrastructure.
The ICAO Council highlighted that such attacks not only disrupt aviation operations but pose a severe threat to international peace, security, and overall aviation safety. This official stance followed a detailed report delivered by Saudi Arabia to the Council on October 8.
The Human Cost and Houthi Warnings
The security crisis has already taken a heavy toll. The death toll from an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10 has risen to 13. This includes an Indian national, whose death was confirmed by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh.
Adding to the tension, the Houthis have issued a broad warning to international airlines, commercial travelers, and foreign workers. They have declared Saudi airspace unsafe, though they explicitly excluded the holy cities of Mecca and Medina from this warning.
Other Indian Carriers Also Affected
Air India is not the only Indian airline navigating these risks. Other carriers have similarly suspended services due to the escalating Middle East tensions:
- IndiGo: Cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah until October 17, urging passengers to verify flight statuses before heading to the airport.
- Akasa Air: Extended the suspension of flights to Riyadh and Jeddah until October 17, offering passengers the choice of a full refund or a free reschedule.
As the situation remains fluid, Air India continues to evaluate the risks before committing to a return to the Saudi skies.