Flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah remain suspended as security concerns escalate; affected passengers are eligible for full refunds, while other airlines extend their suspensions

Air India has extended the cancellation of its flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 20, 2026, citing the evolving security situation in the region. The decision affects services connecting India with three major Saudi cities — Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah — as tensions rise following reported drone and missile attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi movement.

The airline had previously suspended the affected services until October 17. The extension highlights the continuing disruption to air travel across parts of the Middle East, where security developments are prompting carriers to reassess flight schedules and operational risks.

In a statement posted on X, Air India said that all its flights to and from the three Saudi destinations would remain cancelled until October 20. The airline added that it was monitoring developments closely and would continue evaluating the situation before deciding when operations could safely resume.

Full Refunds for Affected Air India Passengers

Air India has confirmed that passengers affected by the cancellations are being offered a full refund. Travellers with bookings on the impacted routes should check their booking status and contact the airline or their booking agent to understand the refund process and available alternatives.

Passengers planning to travel to Saudi Arabia during this period should verify their flight status directly with the airline before leaving for the airport. They should also confirm any connecting flights, hotel reservations and other travel arrangements that may be affected by the suspension.

The airline has not indicated in the reported statement that normal services will resume immediately after October 20. The date should therefore be treated as the current end date of the announced suspension, rather than a guarantee that all flights will restart on October 21.

Houthi Attacks Raise Security Concerns

The cancellations come amid escalating regional tensions following reported drone and missile attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh airport has also faced multiple attacks, according to the report, adding to concerns about aviation safety and the reliability of flight operations.

Airlines operating in or near areas affected by security incidents must assess potential risks to aircraft, passengers and crew. Such assessments can include airspace conditions, airport security, operational restrictions and guidance from relevant authorities.

For carriers, suspending flights can disrupt schedules and increase costs, but passenger and crew safety remains the priority. The duration of the disruption will depend on developments on the ground and subsequent operational assessments.

IndiGo and Akasa Air Also Extend Suspensions

Air India is not the only Indian airline adjusting its Saudi Arabia operations. IndiGo has extended the cancellation of its Saudi Arabia flights until October 24, according to the report.

Akasa Air has also extended the suspension of its services to the kingdom, with flights to and from Riyadh suspended until October 24 and services to and from Jeddah suspended until October 21.

The different suspension dates reflect the individual operational decisions of the airlines and should not be interpreted as a common resumption schedule. Travellers should rely on the latest updates issued by their respective carriers.

The broader disruption could affect passengers travelling for business, employment, family visits, religious purposes and onward international connections. Travellers with urgent plans may need to consider alternative routes, subject to availability, airline approval and any applicable transit or entry requirements.

Impact on India–Saudi Arabia Travel

Saudi Arabia is an important destination for Indian travellers, including business visitors, workers and families. Flight cancellations on major routes can create difficulties for passengers who depend on direct services, particularly when travel dates are fixed or onward arrangements have already been made.

The disruption may also affect airlines through cancelled bookings, refund obligations, aircraft scheduling changes and the need to reorganise crews and other resources. The overall financial impact will depend on how long suspensions continue and whether affected passengers can be accommodated on alternative services.

For passengers, the most practical steps are to monitor airline notifications, retain booking confirmations and refund records, and avoid assuming that a flight will operate solely because it remains visible on an older itinerary.

Outlook: Flight Resumption Depends on Security Conditions

Air India’s extension of cancellations through October 20 underscores the uncertainty facing airlines operating to Saudi Arabia amid heightened regional tensions. IndiGo and Akasa Air have also announced extended suspensions on selected routes, indicating that the disruption is affecting multiple carriers.

The next developments to watch are official security updates, airline announcements and confirmation of revised flight schedules. Passengers should check directly with their airline before travelling and make alternative arrangements only after confirming availability and applicable conditions.

This article is based on the reported airline announcements available on October 16, 2026. Flight schedules can change at short notice; passengers should verify the latest status with their airline before departure.