NEW DELHI, India, October 17 (ANI) — Air India and Air India Express have extended the temporary suspension of flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia until October 24 amid Houthi rebel attacks in the West Asian country.
In a travel advisory, Air India said bookings issued on or before October 15 for travel between October 9 and 25 are eligible for a one-time complimentary date change, with travel rescheduled no later than November 10.
“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 as much flexibility as possible during this period,” Air India said.
“Guests holding confirmed Air India or Air India Express bookings issued on or before 15 October 2026, with travel dates between 9 October and 25 October 2026, are eligible for a one-time complimentary date change on their respective airline up to 10 November 2026. Guests who do not wish to rebook on the originally preferred sector for a future date may, instead, choose to rebook from an alternative station in the GCC region served by their respective airline, subject to availability,” the statement added.
Passengers may also choose an alternative destination in West Asia. Air India said, “Guests choosing the latter option are required to make their own travel arrangements to get to their preferred alternative point of departure and meet the applicable visa and entry requirements. Air India guests may rebook to or from Dubai or Doha. Air India Express guests may rebook to or from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Salalah or Sharjah. Guests whose flights have been cancelled may also opt for a full refund if they choose not to travel.”
“We continue to closely monitor the situation and will keep guests informed of any further updates. Our priority remains to support affected guests, minimise inconvenience, and help them continue their journeys with suitable travel options,” the airline said.
Several other airlines, including IndiGo and Akasa Air, have also temporarily suspended operations in Saudi Arabia.
The disruptions follow an October 10 attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The death toll rose to 13 after the Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed that an Indian national injured in the incident had died.
As the conflict escalated, Yemen’s internationally recognized government on Friday accused the Houthi militia of targeting Aden International Airport with two missiles. The missiles landed near a Yemenia Airways aircraft preparing to take off for Cairo, according to the country’s Information Minister, Moammar Al-Eryani. (ANI)
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