New Delhi: Air India and Air India Express have suspended flights connecting India with key Saudi Arabian destinations amid the evolving security situation in the region. The airlines have announced flexible rebooking options and full refunds for eligible passengers affected by the disruptions.
Under the airlines’ joint advisory, flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam will remain suspended until November 7, 2026. Services connecting to Jeddah have been suspended until October 31, 2026.
Passengers with confirmed bookings issued on or before October 24, 2026, can opt for a full refund upon cancellation or use the available rebooking options, subject to the applicable conditions.
The airlines have advised affected travellers to check their booking details and contact the respective carrier before making alternative travel arrangements.
What Are The Free Rebooking Rules For Air India Passengers?
Air India is offering a one-time complimentary date change to eligible passengers whose bookings were issued on or before October 24, 2026.
Passengers scheduled to travel to or from Riyadh and Dammam up to November 7 can request rebooking to or from any operational Air India station in Saudi Arabia. The alternative travel date can be up to November 21, 2026, subject to seat availability.
For passengers booked on Jeddah routes with original travel dates up to October 31, the airline is allowing a similar one-time complimentary rebooking option. The revised journey must take place by November 14, 2026, subject to availability.
Passengers who do not wish to reschedule their journeys can choose a full refund by cancelling their eligible bookings.
Air India Express Allows Alternative Routes Through Bahrain
Air India Express has announced alternative routing options for eligible passengers affected by the suspensions.
Travellers booked on Riyadh and Dammam sectors, with bookings issued on or before October 24 and original travel dates up to November 7, may request a one-time complimentary rebooking through any operational Air India Express station in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain, connecting with India. The revised travel date can be up to November 21, 2026, subject to availability.
For passengers travelling on Jeddah sectors with original travel dates up to October 31, alternative bookings through operational Air India Express stations in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain are available for travel up to November 14, 2026.
The airline said dedicated teams are assisting affected customers through city booking offices and call centres.
IndiGo, Akasa Air Also Extend Flight Suspensions
The disruption has also affected other Indian carriers operating services to Saudi Arabia.
IndiGo has extended the cancellation of flights to and from Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah through October 31, 2026. The airline has said that passenger and crew safety remain its priority and that it is coordinating with relevant authorities.
Akasa Air has also extended the suspension of its Jeddah services until November 10 and Riyadh services until November 30, according to the travel update cited in the advisory.
Travellers planning to fly between India and Saudi Arabia should check the latest updates from their airlines before heading to the airport, as schedules and alternative arrangements may change depending on the security situation.
Indian Consulate Assists Umrah Pilgrims Affected By Cancellations
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has issued an advisory for Indian nationals affected by the flight disruptions, including Umrah pilgrims.
The consulate said it is providing assistance through round-the-clock control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah. With support from Indian community associations and volunteers, it is helping arrange food, essential medicines and immediate relief where required.
The mission is also coordinating with Indian airlines on refunds and connecting Umrah tour operators with carriers that continue to operate flights to India. These alternative arrangements depend on seat availability, applicable fares and individual airline policies.
The consulate has urged affected passengers to remain in contact with their airlines, travel agents and Umrah service providers to understand their rebooking and refund options.
