Full Breakdown
Air India Extends Saudi Flight Cancellations to October 20 2026 Amid Houthi Attacks
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Air India suspends Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah services
On October 20 2026 Air India announced that all flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah are cancelled. The airline said the decision reflects the “evolving situation in Saudi Arabia” and that it will continue to monitor developments before resuming operations. Passengers with affected bookings are being offered a full refund.
Background & Context
The suspension follows attacks claimed by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement against Saudi civil aviation infrastructure. On October 8 2026 the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council condemned a missile strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. A second strike on October 10 2026 killed 13 people, including an Indian national, and wounded hundreds. Saudi authorities closed the airport until October 17 2026 for safety inspections.
Official Statements & Responses
- The carrier emphasized that safety and security remain its highest priority and confirmed full refunds.
- ICAO Council released a statement on October 8 2026 condemning the attacks on civilian airports and expressing solidarity with Saudi authorities.
- Indian Embassy in Riyadh advised Indian nationals to remain calm, stay indoors during aerial attacks and follow local instructions, confirming the death of an Indian citizen in the October 10 attack.
Data & Statistics
- The October 10 strike resulted in 13 deaths and over 300 injuries.
- King Khalid International Airport remained closed until October 17 2026.
- In addition to Air India, Indian carriers IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India Express and Air India Express have suspended flights to the same Saudi cities, with cancellation periods ranging from October 17 to October 24 2026.
- International airlines—including Air France-KLM, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Lufthansa Group, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific and Delta Air Lines—have also announced suspensions or postponements of Saudi services, some extending into 2027.
Why It Matters / Impact
The cancellations affect business, pilgrimage and tourism travel between India and Saudi Arabia, forcing passengers to seek alternative routes through neighboring Gulf states. Refunds are being processed through Air India’s website, mobile app, travel agents or ticketing offices. The disruption highlights the vulnerability of regional air travel to geopolitical conflict and adds pressure on airlines already coping with high fuel costs and airspace restrictions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Early coverage in mid-October reported that Air India’s cancellations would remain in effect until October 17 2026. Subsequent statements extended the suspension to October 20 2026, creating a discrepancy between the two announced end dates.
- While most Indian carriers aligned their suspension periods with the October 17 deadline, IndiGo later announced an extension to October 24 2026, and Akasa Air set separate end dates for Riyadh (October 24) and Jeddah (October 21).
Verbatim Quotes
- “The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain the highest priority,” — Air India
- “In view of the evolving situation in the region, we have cancelled flights to and from Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh until 17 October. Affected guests are being offered complimentary rescheduling or a full refund on cancellation. We continue to monitor the situation closely,” — Air India Express
- “In view of the current situation, all Indian nationals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are advised to remain calm and vigilant, stay indoors in the case of an aerial attack and follow the instructions issued by the local authorities through official channels,” — The Indian Embassy