Security Scare: Air India Halts All Saudi Arabia Flights Until Nov 14
Air India and Air India Express halt flights to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam due to security risks. Check refund and rebooking options here.
In a significant move driven by regional instability, Air India and its subsidiary, Air India Express, have announced the total suspension of all flight operations to and from key destinations in Saudi Arabia. The airline has cited evolving security risks in the region as the primary reason for this decision, which will remain in effect until November 14, 2026.
Major Cities Affected by Flight Suspension
The suspension impacts three major Saudi Arabian hubs. According to an official advisory shared by the Air India Newsroom on the social media platform X, flights to and from the following cities are grounded:
- Jeddah
- Riyadh
- Dammam
This latest announcement comes as a further escalation of disruptions; just six days prior, the airline had issued a shorter suspension period ending October 31 for Jeddah and November 7 for Riyadh and Dammam.
Relief Measures for Stranded Passengers
To mitigate the chaos caused by the sudden halt, Air India has introduced several waiver provisions for passengers who hold confirmed bookings issued on or before October 30, 2026, for travel up to November 14, 2026.
Rebooking and Refund Options
Impacted travelers are being offered two primary choices to manage their travel plans:
- Complimentary Rebooking: Passengers can avail of a one-time free rebooking (subject to availability) for travel dates up to November 29, 2026.
- Air India guests can rebook to any operational Air India station within Saudi Arabia.
- Air India Express guests can rebook to any operational Air India Express station in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain.
- Full Refunds: Those who prefer not to reschedule can opt for a complete refund upon the cancellation of their booking.
The airline has deployed customer assistance teams across its contact centers and city booking offices to help passengers navigate these options.
Consulate Steps In to Help Umrah Pilgrims
The suspension has caused particular distress to Indian nationals, including a large number of Umrah pilgrims. In response, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah has issued a detailed advisory and activated emergency support systems.
The consulate has established 24/7 control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah. Working alongside local volunteers and Indian community associations, the mission is providing essential relief, including food and medicine, to those stranded.
Furthermore, the diplomatic mission is coordinating with Indian airlines regarding refunds and assisting Umrah tour operators in finding alternative flights back to India, though these remain subject to seat availability and current airfares.
The Security Context: Houthi Threats
The decision to suspend flights follows a surge in regional tensions. On October 23, Yahya Saree, the military spokesperson for the Houthi group, claimed that they had targeted energy infrastructure, refineries, and aviation facilities across Saudi Arabia, specifically mentioning the King Khalid Airport in Riyadh.
While the Saudi-led coalition reported that it successfully intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh, the perceived threat to aviation safety prompted the airline's cautious approach to operations in the region.