Technology · India Bureau
Air India, IndiGo extend Saudi Arabia flight suspensions amid regional tensions
Major Indian carriers have prolonged flight cancellations to Saudi Arabian cities as escalating geopolitical tensions and security concerns continue to affect Gulf aviation. Air India and Air India Express have suspended services to Riyadh and Dammam through November 7, with Jeddah flights grounded until October 31.
LSN India ·
Air India and its budget subsidiary Air India Express have extended suspension of flights to Riyadh and Dammam until November 7, 2026, citing the prevailing security situation in the region. Services to Jeddah will remain halted through October 31. The carriers initially suspended these routes until October 24 but have now prolonged the suspension period given ongoing geopolitical tensions and reported incidents at Gulf airports.
Other Indian carriers have followed suit. IndiGo and Akasa Air have also cancelled their services to Saudi Arabian destinations following a security assessment of the regional environment. The simultaneous action by multiple airlines underscores the scale of concerns affecting commercial aviation in the Kingdom.
Passengers holding confirmed bookings issued on or before October 24 are eligible for flexible rebooking options or full refunds upon cancellation. Airlines are processing these requests to minimize disruption for travellers affected by the extended suspension period.
The flight cancellations represent a significant disruption to India-Saudi Arabia connectivity, a key route for both business and leisure travel. The suspension is expected to remain in effect pending stabilisation of the security situation in the region.