Air India Extends Saudi Flight Cancellations Until October 20

Air India has extended the cancellation of all flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until October 20, citing the evolving security situation in Saudi Arabia following reported attacks on civilian airports and aviation infrastructure.

The airline said it was monitoring developments and assessing when operations could safely resume. Passengers affected by the cancellations are being offered full refunds, it added.

“In view of the evolving situation in Saudi Arabia, all Air India flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah stand cancelled until 20 October 2026,” the airline said in a statement on X, reiterating that the safety of passengers and crew remained its priority.

The extension comes amid heightened security concerns across the region and follows similar suspensions by IndiGo and Akasa Air.

ICAO CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON CIVIL AVIATION

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council has strongly condemned recent attacks targeting civilian airports, aircraft and aviation infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the UN aviation body expressed solidarity with the Saudi government and people, and offered condolences to the victims and their families. It also deplored the impact of the attacks on aviation operations and warned of the wider implications for aviation safety, security and international peace.

The condemnation followed a statement delivered by Saudi Arabia before the ICAO Council on October 8.

ICAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations that brings together 193 member states to develop international standards and recommended practices for civil aviation.

INDIGO, AKASA ALSO SUSPEND FLIGHTS

Air India’s decision follows earlier announcements by IndiGo and Akasa Air, which suspended services to parts of Saudi Arabia amid the escalating security situation.

IndiGo cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until October 17. It advised passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport and said updates would be shared through the contact details provided at the time of booking.

Akasa Air extended the suspension of flights to and from Riyadh and Jeddah until October 17. The airline said affected passengers could seek a full refund or reschedule their journeys without additional charges.

INDIAN NATIONAL DIES AFTER RIYADH AIRPORT ATTACK

The disruptions come amid reports of attacks on Saudi aviation infrastructure and warnings issued by Yemen’s Houthi movement to international airlines, foreign workers and commercial travellers against using Saudi aviation hubs. The group declared Saudi airspace unsafe, while making an exception for the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

The death toll from an October 10 attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh rose to 13 after the Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed the death of an Indian national who had been injured in the incident.

Air India has said it will continue monitoring the situation before deciding when to resume services. The latest cancellations underscore the impact of the regional security crisis on civilian aviation and international travel.

With inputs from ANI