The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Turbulence continues for Saudi flyers as Air India extends flight curbs till Nov 14
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Air India and Air India Express have extended the suspension of flights to and from Saudi Arabia through November 14, 2026, due to the prevailing regional situation. The extended halt covers services operating between Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam.
IndiGo and Akasa Air also announced related suspensions affecting routes to Saudi Arabia, with IndiGo canceling flights to Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah through November 14, and Akasa Air suspending flights to Riyadh until November 30 and to Jeddah until November 10.
Air India disclosed the extension in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), noting that flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam will remain suspended until November 14, 2026 (inclusive). This followed earlier cancellations up to November 7 for Riyadh and Dammam, and until October 31 for Jeddah.
Passengers with confirmed bookings issued on or before October 30 for travel up to November 14 can opt for a one-time complimentary rebooking (subject to availability) or a full refund if they cancel. Rebooking options include Air India guests relocating to or from any operational Air India station in Saudi Arabia, and Air India Express guests rebooking to or from Saudi Arabia or Bahrain.
The cancellations come amid heightened security concerns in West Asia, with ongoing reports of Houthi activity and regional tensions affecting travel and shipping. There were recent claims and counterclaims regarding drone and missile activity around Mecca and other religious sites, contributing to the decision to extend flight suspensions.