Air India and Air India Express have temporarily suspended flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam until October 24, citing the prevailing security situation linked to the ongoing West Asian conflict. The suspension affects passengers booked on direct and connecting services operated by the two airlines, with eligible travellers offered date changes, alternative Gulf departure points or refunds.
The airlines announced the decision on their social media handles, saying the move was necessary in view of heightened security risks and missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi airports, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The airlines said they understood that the disruption could affect passengers’ travel plans and would provide flexibility during the affected period.
Officials clarified that there are no direct Air India or Air India Express flights from Hyderabad to Jeddah, Riyadh or Dammam. However, passengers from Hyderabad booked on connecting services to these destinations are affected by the suspension. Details regarding cancellations and rebooking options are being communicated to individual passengers by the airlines.
Passengers with confirmed bookings issued on or before October 15, 2026, for travel between October 9 and October 25, 2026, are eligible for a one-time complimentary date change on the respective airline. The revised journey must be completed by November 10, 2026, according to the conditions announced by the carriers.
Passengers who do not wish to retain their original destination sector may also request rebooking from an alternative station in the Gulf Cooperation Council region served by their airline. Such rebooking will remain subject to seat availability. Travellers choosing this option must independently arrange transport to the alternative departure point and comply with the visa and entry requirements applicable there.
For Air India passengers, the alternative stations listed by the airline are Dubai and Doha. Air India Express passengers may rebook to or from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Salalah or Sharjah, subject to availability and the airline’s applicable conditions.
The arrangement creates an additional logistical requirement for passengers who select an alternative Gulf airport, since reaching that airport may involve separate ground or air travel and immigration formalities. The airlines have advised affected guests to review the rebooking options communicated to them before finalising their travel plans.
Passengers whose flights have been cancelled may instead choose a full refund if they decide not to travel. The suspension is currently scheduled to remain in place until October 24, while the date-change facility allows eligible bookings to be moved to travel dates up to November 10.
