Air India, Air India Express Extend Saudi Flight Suspension Till November 14 Amid Houthi Attacks

Last Updated:October 30, 2026, 7:33 PM IST

Air India customers can opt for alternative flights to or from any Saudi airport where the airline continues to operate.

File photo of an Air India flight. (File)

Air India and Air India Express have further extended the suspension of their flights connecting India with Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia until November 14, the airlines announced on Friday, citing the prevailing security situation.

“Due to the prevailing situation in the region, Air India and Air India Express flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam will remain suspended until 14 November 2026 (inclusive),” Air India tweeted.

Free Rebooking, Full Refund For Passengers

The latest extension follows earlier restrictions on services to the three Saudi cities. Flights to Riyadh and Dammam had been suspended until November 7, while the disruption to Jeddah services was initially scheduled to end on October 31.

Under the revised arrangements, passengers holding confirmed tickets booked on or before October 30 for travel until November 14 can either change their travel dates once without paying a fee or seek a full refund. Any rescheduled journey must be completed by November 29, depending on seat availability.

Air India customers can opt for alternative flights to or from any Saudi airport where the airline continues to operate. Air India Express passengers can choose operational destinations served by the carrier in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain.

For assistance, Air India passengers can contact +91 11 69329333 or +91 11 69329999. Air India Express customers can reach the airline at +91 124 6935600. Travellers can also approach the airlines’ city booking offices.

Akasa Air, IndiGo Also Cancel Flights

Other Indian carriers have announced similar restrictions. Akasa Air has suspended its Jeddah services until November 10 and Riyadh flights until November 30. IndiGo has also cancelled flights connecting Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until November 14.

The disruptions come amid heightened tensions following attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Saudi targets, including aviation infrastructure. Missile and drone strikes have reportedly targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Six coordinated waves of attacks across October allegedly left 22 people dead and more than 383 injured.

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Why did Air India and Air India Express extend their Saudi flight suspensions?

Air India and Air India Express extended the suspension of their flights connecting India to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam until November 14, 2026, due to prevailing security concerns and regional tensions following Houthi attacks on Saudi targets.

What refund and rebooking options are available for affected passengers?

Passengers holding confirmed bookings issued on or before October 30, 2026, for travel up to November 14 can receive a one-time complimentary rebooking for travel until November 29, 2026, or opt for a full refund upon cancellation.

How have other Indian carriers responded to the security situation in Saudi Arabia?

Other Indian carriers have implemented similar disruptions, with Akasa Air suspending Jeddah services until November 10 and Riyadh flights until November 30, and IndiGo cancelling flights to Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah until November 14.

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Manisha RoySenior Sub-Editor

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers politics and a wide range of hard news, with a keen interest in national and international d…Read More

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