Air India, IndiGo Extend Saudi Flight Cancellations Until October 24

Air India and Air India Express have extended the suspension of flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 24, 2026, amid escalating security concerns in West Asia following missile and drone attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The suspension covers services to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam, disrupting air connectivity between India and the Gulf nation.

In a post on X, Air India said it was closely monitoring the situation and would provide passengers with as much flexibility as possible. Air India had initially cancelled flights until October 20, while Air India Express had suspended services until October 17 before extending the restrictions.

IndiGo has also extended cancellations to Saudi Arabian destinations until October 24, while Akasa Air has suspended flights to and from Riyadh until October 24 and Jeddah until October 21.

The cancellations follow attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement, an Iran-aligned group that has targeted Saudi infrastructure using missiles and drones. Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport was among the affected locations, prompting safety concerns and operational disruptions. Saudi authorities temporarily suspended airport operations to conduct safety checks and assess operational readiness. Reports indicated substantial flight cancellations at Riyadh airport during the disruption.

The attacks have heightened concerns about the vulnerability of civilian aviation infrastructure and the risks posed to passengers, aircraft and airport operations. Airlines are reviewing schedules as regional tensions create uncertainty over the safe resumption of services.

The disruption affects Indian workers, business travellers, families and religious pilgrims. Jeddah serves as an important gateway for pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah, while Riyadh and Dammam are major employment and commercial centres.

To assist eligible passengers, Air India and Air India Express have announced one-time complimentary date changes for confirmed tickets issued on or before October 15, covering travel between October 9 and October 25, with revised travel permitted until November 10. Alternative departures through eligible Gulf Cooperation Council destinations may be available, subject to airline conditions and seat availability. Passengers can also seek full refunds for eligible cancelled bookings.

Airlines have advised passengers to check flight status and contact customer support before travelling to airports. October 24 is the current suspension deadline, not a guaranteed resumption date, as operations will depend on security assessments and developments in the region.