Air India has extended the suspension of services connecting India with Riyadh and Dammam until 7 November 2026, while flights to Jeddah will remain suspended until 31 October 2026, the carrier said on social media on 24 October. The move follows an earlier round of cancellations prompted by escalating regional tensions and attacks at airports in Saudi Arabia.
What the airlines have announced
Air India and its low-cost unit Air India Express posted the revised suspension dates on X. The airline said passengers holding confirmed bookings issued on or before 24 October 2026 may choose flexible rebooking options or opt for a full refund if their flights are cancelled.
“In view of the prevailing situation in the region, Air India and Air India Express flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam will remain suspended until 7 November 2026, while services to and from Jeddah will remain suspended until 31 October 2026,” Air India
IndiGo said that after a review of the situation it would keep flights to and from Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah cancelled until 31 October 2026. The airline had earlier announced cancellations to Riyadh through 31 October 2026; the later update extended the suspension for the other three Saudi cities to the same date.
Akasa Air has also lengthened suspensions. The carrier extended the pause on services to and from Riyadh until 30 November 2026 and to and from Jeddah until 10 November 2026, according to its travel advisory issued on Friday.
Who is affected and practical measures
The announcement affects passengers booked on services between India and the Saudi cities named by the carriers. Air India specifically referenced bookings issued on or before 24 October 2026 when setting out its options for rebooking or refunds.
- Air India / Air India Express: Riyadh and Dammam suspended until 7 November 2026; Jeddah suspended until 31 October 2026; flexible rebooking or full refund available for confirmed bookings issued on or before 24 October 2026.
- IndiGo: Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah cancelled until 31 October 2026; Riyadh previously cancelled until 31 October 2026.
- Akasa Air: Riyadh suspended until 30 November 2026; Jeddah suspended until 10 November 2026.
The carriers framed the decisions in terms of safety and the evolving security situation. Air India and others have been issuing travel advisories and options for affected passengers through their customer channels.
Schedule and passenger advice
Passengers with bookings on the affected routes should follow the airlines’ published advisories for rebooking and refund eligibility, and keep in contact with the carrier from which the ticket was issued. The airlines’ statements referenced the dates above and the availability of flexible options for tickets issued up to and including 24 October 2026.
| Carrier | Origin / destination | Suspension end date |
|---|---|---|
| Air India / Air India Express | Riyadh, Dammam | 7 November 2026 |
| Air India / Air India Express | Jeddah | 31 October 2026 |
| IndiGo | Jeddah, Dammam, Madinah | 31 October 2026 |
| Akasa Air | Riyadh | 30 November 2026 |
| Akasa Air | Jeddah | 10 November 2026 |
The carriers' revised suspensions come amid wider disruptions in the region; airlines continue to assess safety, airspace availability and government notices when setting schedules. Passengers should consult their airline for the definitive status of individual flights and for options on refunds or alternative travel arrangements.
