Air India Extends Saudi Arabia Flight Suspension Amid Houthi Attacks
Air India and Air India Express extend flight suspensions to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam due to Houthi attacks. Check rebooking and refund options.
In a move to ensure passenger safety amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Air India and Air India Express have announced the extension of their temporary flight suspensions to and from Saudi Arabia. The suspension, which affects key destinations including Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam, will now remain in place until October 24, 2026, following a series of strikes by Houthi rebels.
Safety Concerns Drive Flight Cancellations
The decision comes as a precautionary measure in response to the volatile security situation in the region. The disruptions were triggered after a devastating attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10. The toll from that incident has risen to 13, with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirming the death of an Indian national who had been injured during the attack.
The instability has not been limited to Saudi Arabia. Yemen's internationally recognized government recently accused Houthi militia of launching two missiles at Aden International Airport. According to Information Minister Moammar Al-Eryani, the missiles landed dangerously close to a Yemenia Airlines aircraft that was preparing for departure to Cairo.
Flexible Options for Affected Passengers
Acknowledging the significant disruption to travel plans, Air India has introduced a series of flexible options for guests holding confirmed bookings. The airline is offering a one-time complimentary date change for those who booked on or before October 15, with original travel dates falling between October 9 and October 25, 2026. These flights can be rescheduled up to November 10, 2026.
Alternative Travel Routes
For passengers who do not wish to wait for a future date on their original route, the airline is providing alternatives within the GCC region, subject to availability:
- Air India Guests: May rebook their travel to or from Dubai or Doha.
- Air India Express Guests: Have a wider range of options, including Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Salalah, or Sharjah.
The airline clarified that passengers opting for these alternative departure points are responsible for their own travel arrangements to reach those cities and must ensure they meet all necessary visa and entry requirements.
Refunds and Industry Impact
For those who prefer not to travel at all, Air India has stated that guests whose flights have been cancelled are eligible for a full refund. The airline emphasized that it is closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as the security landscape evolves.
Air India is not alone in this decision. Other major carriers, including IndiGo and Akasa Air, have also temporarily halted their operations in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the widespread concern over the safety of aviation in the region during this conflict.