New Delhi: Air India has extended the cancellation of all flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until October 20, as security concerns continue to disrupt air travel to Saudi Arabia. The airline announced the extension on Friday, offering full refunds to affected passengers while assessing when operations can safely resume.
In an official post on X, Air India said it was closely monitoring developments and evaluating conditions for the safe resumption of services. The Indian embassy in Riyadh also shared the advisory on its official X account, confirming the October 20 cancellation deadline for all three destinations.
The latest decision extends an earlier suspension until October 17. Air India said passenger and crew safety remained its highest priority.
How affected passengers can claim refunds
Passengers who booked directly through Air India’s website can request refunds through the Manage Booking section. Those using the airline’s mobile application can access the refund facility under My Trips, according to its official guidelines.
Travellers who purchased tickets through travel agents or third-party booking platforms must contact the respective providers. Passengers who booked at Air India ticketing offices should approach the same office to initiate their refund requests.
Customers who booked and cancelled directly through Air India can track pending refunds by selecting “Status Check on Pending Refund” on the airline’s official refund support portal. Refunds are generally credited to the original payment account, although processing may vary depending on individual booking circumstances.
IndiGo, Akasa Air extend Saudi flight suspensions
Other Indian airlines have announced different cancellation deadlines as the regional security situation continues to affect aviation.
IndiGo has suspended flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until October 24, inclusive, according to its latest advisory on X.
Air India Express has also extended cancellations covering Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam until October 20. The airline said affected passengers could seek complimentary rescheduling or a full refund on cancellation.
Akasa Air has separately suspended services to Riyadh until October 24 and Jeddah until October 21. In its Thursday X announcement, the airline offered affected passengers full refunds or rescheduling without additional charges.
International airlines have also extended cancellations and delayed planned services amid the security situation. Air France-KLM suspended Riyadh flights until the end of October, while Etihad Airways cancelled affected Saudi services until October 19. Philippine Airlines extended its Riyadh suspension until November 29, while Cathay Pacific postponed the resumption of its Hong Kong-Riyadh route until January 31, 2027. Delta Air Lines separately delayed the launch of its Atlanta-Riyadh service until March 2027, according to Reuters. The disruptions follow repeated missile and drone attacks on Saudi aviation infrastructure, including Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. Yemen’s Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for several attacks, prompting airlines to reassess flight operations.
The continuing cancellations have affected business travellers, Indian residents returning home and umrah pilgrims. As RNA Media reported earlier, India established an additional control room in Mecca to assist affected nationals alongside its existing round-the-clock facility in Jeddah.
Passengers have been advised to verify flight status directly with their airlines before travelling to airports and monitor notifications sent to their registered contact details.
Air India has not announced a confirmed date for resuming Saudi operations. The October 20 deadline remains subject to further assessment of the security situation.