New Delhi: Air India has extended the cancellation of its flights to and from three major Saudi Arabian cities until October 20, 2026, amid escalating security concerns in the region. The airline announced the extension on Friday, October 16, asking passengers travelling to or from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
The latest decision extends the earlier suspension, which was due to remain in place until October 17. Air India said it was closely monitoring developments and assessing the situation to determine when flight operations could safely resume.
In a post on X, the airline said all Air India flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah would remain cancelled until October 20 because of the evolving situation in Saudi Arabia.
The airline also confirmed that passengers affected by the cancellations were being offered a full refund.
Which Air India Flights To Saudi Arabia Are Cancelled Till October 20?
Air India has suspended flights in both directions for the following destinations:
- Riyadh: All Air India flights to and from the Saudi capital are cancelled until October 20.
- Dammam: Flights connecting the Indian network with Dammam remain suspended until the same date.
- Jeddah: Air India services to and from Jeddah are also cancelled until October 20.
Passengers should verify their booking details and check for airline notifications before travelling. Those who booked through travel agents or other travel partners should contact them for assistance with refunds or alternative arrangements.
The airline has not announced a confirmed date for the resumption of these services. Its decision will depend on further assessments of the security situation.
What Is Air India Offering Affected Passengers?
Air India has said passengers whose flights have been cancelled will receive a full refund. Travellers should check the airline’s official communication for the applicable refund process and details linked to their bookings.
Passengers are advised not to assume that their original flight will operate simply because they have a confirmed ticket. They should check the latest status directly with the airline before leaving for the airport.
Those planning onward journeys, hotel stays or connections with other carriers may also need to review their arrangements in light of the extended suspension.
IndiGo And Akasa Air Also Extend Flight Suspensions
Air India is not the only carrier to have changed its Saudi Arabia flight schedule. IndiGo has extended cancellations for flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until October 24, 2026, inclusive.
Akasa Air has also extended its suspension of services to and from Riyadh until October 24, while flights connecting with Jeddah remain suspended until October 21.
Air India Express has also extended its suspension of flights connecting Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam until October 20, according to reports published on Friday.
The different deadlines mean that passengers must check the advisory issued by their specific airline and destination rather than relying on a single resumption date for all Saudi Arabia services.
Why Are Flights To Saudi Arabia Being Disrupted?
The cancellations come amid escalating regional tensions following missile and drone attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi group. The security situation has raised concerns about airport operations and the safety of commercial aviation.
Reuters reported that several international airlines had adjusted their Saudi Arabia services following attacks on Riyadh airport and other targets. Airlines have been reassessing their schedules as the situation develops.
For travellers, the immediate concern is the possibility of further changes to flight schedules. Passengers with upcoming journeys to Saudi Arabia should continue monitoring official airline advisories and make alternative arrangements where necessary.
Air India has said it is continuing to assess developments, but the resumption of its cancelled services remains subject to the evolving security situation.
