New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): Air India has extended its suspension of flights connecting India with Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam until October 20, 2026, as airlines continue to monitor the changing security situation in the Middle East. The decision, announced on Friday, October 16, means passengers scheduled to travel on the affected services will need to review their bookings and make alternative arrangements.
The airline had previously cancelled these flights until October 17. The latest extension pushes the disruption forward by three days, with no confirmed date yet for the resumption of normal operations.
Air India said it was keeping a close watch on developments and regularly assessing the situation to determine when services could safely restart. It also confirmed that passengers affected by the cancellations would be eligible for a full refund.
Which Saudi Arabia Flights Have Been Suspended?
The extended suspension covers Air India flights to and from three destinations:
- Riyadh: Services connecting with the Saudi capital remain cancelled until October 20.
- Jeddah: Flights to and from the city are included in the extended suspension.
- Dammam: Air India services connecting with this eastern Saudi Arabian city are also affected.
The cancellations apply to flights in both directions. Travellers should check the latest status of their specific booking through Air India’s official website or customer support before travelling to the airport.
The October 20 deadline is the current suspension period announced by the airline, not a confirmed date for the full restoration of services. Further changes remain possible depending on security assessments.
How Can Passengers Get Refunds?
Air India has stated that passengers affected by the cancellations will receive a full refund. Travellers should follow the airline’s official instructions for processing their refunds and check whether any additional steps are required for tickets booked through travel agents or third-party platforms.
Passengers with connecting flights, hotel reservations or other onward travel arrangements should also review those bookings. Anyone planning to travel to Saudi Arabia in the coming days should avoid relying solely on an earlier itinerary or booking confirmation.
Checking airline notifications before leaving home can help passengers avoid unnecessary journeys to the airport and identify available alternatives.
Are IndiGo And Akasa Air Also Cancelling Saudi Flights?
Other Indian carriers have announced separate extensions to their flight suspensions.
IndiGo has extended its Saudi Arabia flight cancellations until October 24, 2026, according to reports published on Thursday. Akasa Air has suspended flights to and from Riyadh until October 24 and services connecting with Jeddah until October 21.
Air India Express has also extended its suspension of flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam until October 20, according to reports.
These timelines differ by airline and destination. Passengers should therefore consult the carrier operating their flight rather than assume that the same deadline applies to every service.
Why Are Airlines Disrupting Saudi Arabia Flights?
The flight changes come amid heightened security concerns following reported drone and missile attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi group. Reports of attacks targeting Saudi Arabian infrastructure, including Riyadh airport, have added to concerns about commercial aviation operations in the region.
Airlines are assessing the evolving situation before restoring affected routes. However, the precise timing of a return to normal schedules will depend on further developments and each carrier’s operational and safety assessments.
For now, passengers travelling between India and Saudi Arabia should monitor official airline announcements, verify their flight status before departure and contact their carrier for refund or rebooking information.
