Air India, Air India Express extend Saudi flight suspension till October 24 amid Houthi strikes: What the airline said | Today’s news
Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express have extended the suspension of services connecting Indian cities to Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia till October 24, citing the prevailing security situation in West Asia following strikes by Houthi rebels in the region.
The airline also announced a one-time free rescheduling for affected passengers, adding that tickets booked on or before October 15 for travel scheduled between October 9 and 25 will be eligible for a free travel date change provided the revised travel is made by November 10.
In a travel advisory, Air India said the extended suspension could disrupt passengers’ travel arrangements and that airlines are trying to offer more flexibility to those affected.
The statement read: “In view of the prevailing situation, Air India and Air India Express have temporarily suspended flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam until 24 October 2026. We understand that these disruptions may affect our guests’ travel plans and are committed to providing maximum flexibility during this period.”
“Guests who have confirmed Air India or Air India Express reservations issued on or before October 15, 2026, with a travel date between October 9 and October 25, 2026, are entitled to a one-time free date change with the applicable airline until November 10, 2026. Guests who do not wish to rebook in their originally preferred sector for a future serviced station may rebook a seat instead in the alternate region according to its alternate date in the respective station, subject to availability,” he added.
Affected passengers may also choose to travel to an alternate destination in West Asia, depending on the airline’s options. Air India customers can reschedule their journeys to or from Dubai or Doha, while Air India Express passengers can choose Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Salalah or Sharjah, the airline said.
However, passengers will need to arrange their own transport to the alternative departure point and ensure they meet the relevant visa and entry requirements, it said, adding that those whose flights were canceled could also opt for a full refund if they chose not to travel.
“We continue to monitor the situation closely and will keep guests informed of any further updates. Our priority remains to support affected guests, minimize inconvenience and help them continue their journeys with appropriate travel options,” concluded Air India.
What about other airlines?
IndiGo on Thursday extended the suspension of its flights to Saudi Arabian destinations till October 24.
Akasa Air has announced that it will continue to suspend services to and from Riyadh until October 24 and Jeddah until October 21, citing the prevailing security situation in the Middle East.
The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis
The flight cancellation follows the October 10 attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport that left 13 dead. The death toll rose after the Indian embassy in Riyadh confirmed that an Indian citizen who was injured in the incident had succumbed to his injuries.
Meanwhile, amid an escalating conflict, Yemen’s internationally recognized government on Friday accused Houthi rebels of firing two missiles aimed at Aden International Airport. According to the country’s Information Minister, Moammar Al-Eryani, the missiles landed near a Yemenia Airways plane that was preparing to depart for Cairo.
