Air India and Air India Express have extended the suspension of all flights to and from three major Saudi Arabian cities — Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam — until November 14, 2026, citing the prevailing security situation in the region. The airlines announced the extension in a fresh travel advisory issued on Friday, October 30.
In a statement shared on X, Air India Newsroom said: “Due to the prevailing situation in the region, Air India and Air India Express flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam will remain suspended until 14 November 2026 (inclusive).”
Key Takeaways
- Flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam stay suspended until November 14, 2026.
- Passengers with tickets issued on or before October 30 can rebook once for free or claim a full refund.
- The extension follows reported attacks on Saudi airports and infrastructure, with other Indian carriers also suspending Saudi services.
What the Advisory Says
The extension replaces the previous schedule, under which services to Riyadh and Dammam were suspended until November 7, while flights to Jeddah were suspended until October 31. All three cities are now covered by the single date of November 14, inclusive.
The airlines announced waiver provisions for affected travellers. Passengers holding confirmed bookings issued on or before October 30, 2026, for travel up to November 14, 2026, may avail a one-time complimentary rebooking, subject to seat availability, for travel up to November 29, 2026, or opt for a full refund upon cancellation of their booking.
Air India guests may rebook to or from any operational Air India station in Saudi Arabia, while Air India Express guests may rebook to or from any operational Air India Express station in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain.
Why the Suspension Was Extended
The extension comes amid heightened regional tensions following reported attacks targeting Saudi Arabian infrastructure. On October 23, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that the group had targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, along with energy facilities, refineries and other aviation and military installations across Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched towards the Saudi capital, Riyadh. News18 reported that six coordinated waves of attacks across October allegedly left 22 people dead and more than 383 injured, figures that have not been independently verified in the airlines’ advisory.
The disruption to air travel is unfolding alongside wider regional tensions, including reported diplomatic efforts around Iran and continued security incidents in Gulf waters, where tensions have already disrupted shipping. Houthi attacks have also been reported elsewhere in the region in recent days, adding to aviation safety concerns.
Due to the prevailing situation in the region, Air India and Air India Express flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam will remain suspended until 14 November 2026 (inclusive).
Other Indian Carriers Also Affected
Air India and Air India Express are not the only Indian carriers affected by the situation. IndiGo has cancelled flights to and from Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until November 14, while Akasa Air has suspended services connecting Riyadh until November 30 and Jeddah until November 10.
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has issued a detailed advisory to support Indian nationals, particularly Umrah pilgrims affected by the cancellations, and has intensified assistance to stranded travellers through round-the-clock control rooms operating in Jeddah and Makkah. The consulate has advised affected passengers to remain in regular contact with their airlines, travel agents and Umrah service providers for updates on cancellations, refunds and rebooking options.
What Passengers Can Do
- Check whether your ticket was issued on or before October 30 for travel up to November 14 — those bookings qualify for the waiver.
- Rebook once free of charge for travel up to November 29, 2026, subject to seat availability.
- Choose a full refund instead if you cancel your booking.
- Stay in touch with your airline, travel agent or Umrah service provider for the latest updates.
What to Watch Next
Passengers and airlines alike will be watching whether flights to Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam resume after November 14, whether the free rebooking window closing on November 29 is extended, and whether other carriers align their own suspension dates. The airlines have said the suspension reflects the prevailing situation in the region, so any change will depend on how that security picture develops in the coming days.