Air India, Air India Express extend Saudi flight cancellations until October 20

Air India and Air India Express have extended the suspension of flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam in Saudi Arabia until October 20, 2026. This decision follows ongoing regional security concerns and continued disruptions in air travel across the country. Both airlines emphasized that they are monitoring the situation closely and will reassess when it is safe to resume operations. Passengers affected by the cancellations are being offered either full refunds or the option to reschedule their flights free of charge. The extension affects multiple Indian carriers operating in the region. IndiGo has expanded its flight cancellations to include flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah, extending the suspension until October 24. Similarly, Akasa Air has suspended flights to Riyadh until October 24 and to Jeddah until October 21. These decisions reflect a broader trend among Indian airlines responding to the evolving security environment in Saudi Arabia. The recent flight cancellations follow a period of significant disruption in Saudi Arabian airspace. Between October 8 and October 15, over 4,000 flights departing from Saudi Arabia were either cancelled or grounded. According to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium, around 46 percent of the 8,883 scheduled departures during this period did not take place. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was particularly affected, with 298 of its 366 scheduled departures on October 15 being impacted, representing over 81 percent of its planned flights. Other major airports such as Dammam and Jeddah also experienced high numbers of cancellations, with 60 and 87 of their scheduled departures affected respectively. These disruptions have prompted several adjustments in flight operations. Earlier in October, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh had already advised Indian nationals to confirm their flight schedules with their respective airlines due to previous suspensions. Airlines have since reiterated their commitment to passenger safety and urged affected travelers to check their flight status directly with their carriers. Air India has confirmed that passengers affected by the cancellations will receive full refunds. Air India Express offers both complimentary rescheduling and full refunds to affected passengers. Both airlines have requested passengers to update their contact information and consult their websites for the latest updates regarding their flight status. IndiGo has informed affected passengers that they will be contacted via the contact details provided at the time of booking. Those who booked through travel agencies have been directed to seek assistance directly from their travel partners. Akasa Air has stated that refunds will be processed within seven business days and that passengers can reschedule their flights without additional charges. The ongoing flight cancellations highlight the impact of regional instability on international air travel. As the situation evolves, airlines continue to evaluate the risks and make decisions based on current assessments of safety and security conditions. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed and maintain communication with their chosen airlines to manage any potential changes to their travel plans.