Houthi Attacks: Air India Express Halts Saudi Flights Until Oct 20
Air India Express halts flights to Dammam, Jeddah, and Riyadh until Oct 20 following Houthi attacks on Saudi aviation infrastructure.
In a move driven by escalating security threats, Air India Express Saudi flights to and from major hubs have been suspended until October 20. The airline cited the volatile security landscape in the region, specifically pointing to the ongoing strikes by Houthi rebels against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Major Cities Affected
The suspension impacts travel to and from three primary Saudi Arabian cities: Dammam, Jeddah, and Riyadh. Air India Express has stated that it is keeping a close watch on the evolving situation and will proactively review and adjust its flight operations as the circumstances change.
Support for Stranded Passengers
To mitigate the inconvenience caused by these sudden cancellations, the airline is providing comprehensive support to its guests. Affected passengers have been given two primary options:
- Complimentary Rescheduling: Passengers can move their flights to a later date without additional charges.
- Full Refunds: Those who prefer to cancel their travel plans are eligible for a complete refund.
The airline has urged all travelers to ensure their contact details are updated and to regularly check the official website for the latest flight status updates.
A Broader Aviation Crisis
Air India Express is not alone in this decision. The parent company, Air India, has similarly cancelled all flights to Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah until October 20, citing the same security concerns. Other Indian carriers have also stepped back from the region:
- IndiGo: Suspended flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah until October 17.
- Akasa Air: Extended its suspension of flights to Riyadh and Jeddah until October 17, citing risks to safe flight operations.
The Root of the Conflict
The flight disruptions are a direct result of heightened security risks following attacks on aircraft, civilian airports, and aviation infrastructure by Houthi rebels based in Yemen. A particularly devastating attack occurred on October 10 at the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The death toll from this incident has risen to 13, with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirming the death of an Indian national who was injured during the attack.
Adding to the tension, the Houthis have issued a stark warning to international airlines, commercial travelers, and foreign workers, declaring Saudi airspace unsafe—with the sole exception of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
International Condemnation
The global aviation community has reacted with alarm. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council issued a strong condemnation of the attacks on Thursday. The Council expressed solidarity with the Saudi government and people, deploring the targeting of civil aviation infrastructure and the resulting threats to international peace and aviation safety.