New Delhi: Air India and Air India Express have extended the suspension of flights to and from three Saudi Arabian cities amid heightened security concerns in the region. Services connecting Riyadh and Dammam will remain suspended until November 30, while flights to and from Jeddah will remain cancelled until November 21.
The airlines announced the revised dates on Friday, November 13, through travel advisories shared on social media platform X. The temporary suspension applies to all flights operated by both carriers on the affected routes.
Passengers holding confirmed bookings for travel during the affected period have been offered a full refund or a one-time complimentary rescheduling option. The airlines have also outlined alternative destinations for passengers who wish to rearrange their journeys.
The decision comes amid an evolving security situation in the region after Yemen’s Houthi militia claimed drone and missile attacks against targets in Saudi Arabia. Saudi-led Coalition Forces said they had intercepted and destroyed drones over parts of the kingdom.
Air India, Air India Express flight suspension: What passengers need to know
The revised suspension dates differ depending on the destination:
- Riyadh: Flights to and from the city remain suspended until November 30, 2026.
- Dammam: Services to and from the city remain suspended until November 30, 2026.
- Jeddah: Flights connecting the city remain cancelled until November 21, 2026.
Passengers travelling on these routes should check their booking details and contact the respective airline for assistance with refunds or alternative travel arrangements.
The airlines have extended the suspension in response to the prevailing regional situation. Travellers should keep track of further advisories, as flight schedules may be revised depending on security developments.
Refund and complimentary rescheduling options
Air India and Air India Express have announced relief measures for passengers affected by the cancellations.
Customers holding confirmed tickets issued on or before November 10, 2026, for travel within the affected suspension periods can choose between a full refund upon cancellation and a one-time complimentary rescheduling.
The eligibility periods are as follows:
- Passengers booked on Riyadh and Dammam routes must have travel dates up to November 30, 2026.
- Passengers booked on Jeddah routes must have travel dates up to November 21, 2026.
The complimentary rescheduling option is subject to seat availability. Passengers should contact the airlines to confirm the available alternatives before making changes to their bookings.
The refund option allows eligible customers to cancel their affected bookings and seek a full refund. Those who still wish to travel can instead opt for the one-time rescheduling facility, subject to the applicable conditions.
Alternative destinations for affected passengers
The airlines have also specified alternative destinations for passengers who want to rearrange their journeys.
Passengers booked with Air India can reschedule their flights to or from any operating Air India destination in Saudi Arabia, in accordance with the revised travel restrictions.
Air India Express passengers can rebook their tickets to any destination served by the airline in Bahrain or Saudi Arabia.
However, passengers should check the availability of flights and confirm the revised itinerary with the airline before making travel plans.
The airlines have also set separate deadlines for completing rescheduled journeys.
Passengers affected by the suspension of flights to Riyadh and Dammam must complete their rescheduled travel by December 14, 2026.
For passengers originally booked on Jeddah routes, the revised journey must be completed by December 5, 2026.
These deadlines are important for travellers choosing the complimentary rescheduling option. Passengers should ensure that their alternative travel dates fall within the specified period.
How to contact Air India and Air India Express
Passengers seeking assistance with cancellations, refunds or rescheduling can visit the airlines’ city booking offices or contact their respective helplines.
Air India helpline numbers:
- +91 11 69329333
- +91 11 69329999
Air India Express helpline number:
– +91 124 6935600
Travellers should keep their booking reference numbers and ticket details ready when contacting customer support. They should also confirm the applicable refund or rescheduling conditions directly with the airline.
Why have the airlines suspended Saudi flights?
The latest extension comes amid heightened regional security concerns following claims by Yemen’s Houthi militia that it launched drone and missile strikes against targets in Saudi Arabia on Friday.
The group claimed that its attacks targeted Aramco facilities in Riyadh, Khamis Mushait Air Base and a military cargo aircraft at Sharurah Airport.
Houthi military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced on Telegram that the group’s drone strike targeting Aramco facilities in Riyadh had achieved its objective.
However, Saudi-led Coalition Forces said they had intercepted and destroyed drones over Riyadh and the Eastern Region. The developments have added to concerns about the security situation and the potential impact on air travel.
The flight suspensions reflect the airlines’ decision to adjust operations while the regional situation remains uncertain. The latest advisories do not establish when regular services will resume beyond the announced suspension periods.
What should passengers do next?
Passengers booked on Air India or Air India Express flights to Riyadh, Dammam or Jeddah during the affected dates should check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Eligible customers can choose a full refund or one-time complimentary rescheduling, subject to the airline’s conditions. Those opting for alternative destinations should confirm flight availability and ensure that their revised journeys meet the relevant December deadlines.
With regional security developments continuing to affect airline operations, passengers should monitor official airline announcements for further updates.