Why Air India, Air India Express temporarily suspended flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam until 24 Oct 2026
Air India and Air India Express have extended flight suspensions to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam in Saudi Arabia until October 24, 2026, citing ongoing security concerns.
Intelligence analysis by Gemini 2.5 Flash
Indian carriers Air India and Air India Express have prolonged their flight suspensions to three major Saudi Arabian cities—Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam—until October 24, 2026. This decision, also adopted by other Indian airlines like IndiGo and Akasa Air, is a direct response to the prevailing security situation, specifically mentioning Houthi rebel strikes in the region.
Air India and Air India Express have stopped flying to some big cities in Saudi Arabia, like Jeddah and Riyadh, until way into 2026. It's like when your school bus stops going to a certain street because there's a problem there and it's not safe. This is because of fighting in that area, making it risky for planes to fly. Many people from India who work or visit family there will now have to find different ways to travel.
Analysis
The decision by Air India and Air India Express to extend flight suspensions to key Saudi Arabian cities until October 24, 2026, underscores the persistent security challenges in the region. Initially, the suspension was set to conclude on October 17, but the airlines have opted for a much longer pause, indicating a lack of immediate improvement in the security landscape. This move is directly attributed to the "prevailing situation," which the article connects to reported strikes by Houthi rebels in Saudi Arabia. The ongoing conflict and the associated security risks have made it untenable for these airlines to operate flights safely to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam.
Houthi rebels
The primary catalyst for the extended flight suspensions is the continued threat posed by Houthi rebels. The article explicitly links the security concerns to reported attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels, which have created an unstable environment for commercial aviation. This situation necessitates a cautious approach from airlines, prioritizing passenger and crew safety above all else. The advisory from Air India confirms this decision, stating that services remain dependent on further security assessments. This implies that the suspension is not a fixed endpoint but rather a dynamic measure that could be prolonged even further if the security conditions do not improve as anticipated. The mention of a Saudi helicopter crash near the Yemeni border further highlights the active nature of the conflict.
24 October 2026
The extended suspension until October 24, 2026, represents a significant period of disruption, far beyond a short-term adjustment. This date suggests that airlines and potentially government advisories anticipate a prolonged period of instability or at least a lengthy assessment phase before normal operations can resume. Passengers are advised not to assume flights will automatically restart after this date, emphasizing the fluid nature of the situation. For those with confirmed bookings issued on or before October 15 for travel between October 9-25, both Air India and Air India Express are offering flexibility. This includes a one-time date change without a fee, with the revised travel date allowed up to November 10, or the option to rebook to another Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) station like Dubai or Doha, subject to availability. Full refunds are also available for cancelled flights.
IndiGo
The impact of the security situation is not limited to Air India and Air India Express alone. Other major Indian airlines, including IndiGo and Akasa Air, have also extended their flight disruptions to Saudi Arabian destinations. IndiGo has cancelled flights until October 24, mirroring the timeframe of Air India. Akasa Air has suspended Riyadh services until October 24 and Jeddah flights until October 21. This widespread disruption across multiple Indian carriers underscores the severity and broad recognition of the security threats. The affected routes are particularly vital for India, given the large Indian workforce residing in Saudi Arabia, who rely on these flights for employment, family visits, and religious pilgrimages. The prolonged pause will undoubtedly force many to reconsider their travel plans and explore alternative, potentially more complex and expensive, routes.
Key points
- Air India and Air India Express have extended flight suspensions to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam until October 24, 2026.
- The decision is attributed to ongoing security concerns stemming from reported Houthi rebel strikes in Saudi Arabia.
- Other Indian airlines, including IndiGo and Akasa Air, have also implemented similar flight disruptions to Saudi Arabian destinations.
- Affected passengers can opt for a one-time date change without a fee, rebook to another GCC station, or request full refunds for cancelled flights.
- The disruption significantly impacts Indian travelers who rely on these routes for employment, family visits, and religious purposes.
The prolonged suspension of flights could severely disrupt the travel plans of thousands of Indian nationals, leading to significant financial burdens and logistical challenges for those working, visiting family, or undertaking religious pilgrimages in Saudi Arabia. The uncertainty surrounding future flight resumptions could also deter new travel, impacting economic and social ties between India and Saudi Arabia.
