The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Saudi Arabia Flight Disruptions: Air India, IndiGo, Akasa extend suspensions; what passengers should know
Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air extend flight suspensions to Saudi Arabia amid security concerns. Check affected routes, cancellation dates, refund options and complimentary rebooking rules for passengers.
Saudi Arabia flight disruptions continue as Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Akasa Air extend suspensions amid regional security concerns. The carriers have paused services to Riyadh and Dammam until November 7, 2026, with Jeddah services suspended until October 31, 2026 for Air India and Air India Express.
IndiGo and Akasa Air have also extended cancellations on several Saudi routes, reflecting ongoing uncertainty about operations in the region. A joint advisory from Air India and Air India Express notes that passengers with bookings issued on or before October 24, 2026 can opt for flexible rebooking or a full refund, subject to eligibility.
Air India offers a one-time complimentary date change for eligible bookings to Riyadh or Dammam with original travel dates up to November 7, 2026, valid for travel to any operational Air India station in Saudi Arabia by November 21, 2026. For Jeddah, a similar one-time complimentary rebooking is available for travel by November 14, 2026, with cancellations eligible for a full refund.
Air India Express is providing alternative routing options connecting India with operational stations in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain, subject to availability. This includes a one-time complimentary rebooking for Riyadh and Dammam bookings issued on or before October 24, with revised travel by November 21, 2026, and for Jeddah bookings with revised travel by November 14, 2026.
Indian authorities and airlines are coordinating to assist affected Umrah travelers, with the Indian Consulate in Jeddah operating support centers and advising travelers to stay in contact with airlines, travel agents and tour operators for refunds and rebooking updates. Passengers are urged to check flight status with their airline and confirm eligibility for rebooking or refunds before making new arrangements.