Air India and Air India Express have extended the temporary suspension of flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia until 24 October as security concerns persist following Houthi attacks in the Kingdom.

The decision comes as airlines continue to assess risks arising from the deteriorating security situation across parts of West Asia, where aviation operations have been disrupted by escalating regional tensions.

In a travel advisory, Air India said passengers holding bookings issued on or before 15 October 2026 for travel between 9 October and 25 October will be eligible for a one-time complimentary change of travel date.

Affected travellers may reschedule their journey on the same airline up to 10 November 2026 without additional charges, subject to availability.

Passengers unwilling to travel on their original route at a later date can also choose to rebook from an alternative Gulf Cooperation Council destination served by their respective carrier.

Air India said it recognises that the disruption may affect passengers' travel plans and stated that it is seeking to provide maximum flexibility during the period of suspension.

For Air India customers, alternative rebooking options are available through Dubai or Doha.

Passengers travelling with Air India Express can instead rebook through Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Salalah or Sharjah.

Travellers selecting an alternative departure point must arrange their own onward travel to that airport and ensure they satisfy all visa and entry requirements.

Customers whose flights have been cancelled may also choose to receive a full refund if they decide not to travel. Air India said it will continue monitoring developments closely and will provide further updates as the situation evolves.

The airline added that its priority remains supporting affected passengers, minimising inconvenience and helping them continue their journeys through suitable travel alternatives. The latest extension follows an earlier round of suspensions, reflecting continued concern among airlines over the security environment in Saudi Arabian airspace and nearby regions.

Several other Indian carriers, including IndiGo and Akasa Air, have also temporarily suspended or extended restrictions on flights serving Saudi Arabian destinations because of the prevailing security situation.

The disruption to air services intensified after the 10 October attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, an incident that highlighted the growing threat posed by regional missile and drone attacks.

The death toll from that attack later rose to 13 after the Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed that an Indian national who had been injured in the incident subsequently died.

Meanwhile, the broader conflict has continued to affect aviation infrastructure across the region.

Yemen's internationally recognised government has accused the Houthi movement of targeting Aden International Airport with two missiles, claiming they landed close to a Yemenia Airlines aircraft that was preparing to depart for Cairo.

With security concerns remaining elevated and multiple carriers maintaining operational restrictions, passenger services between India and key Saudi Arabian cities are expected to remain under close review in the coming days.

ANI