Air India and Air India Express have extended their suspension of flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam until 7 November 2026, and Jeddah until 31 October, according to a PTI report carried by The Federal on 25 October. The airlines announced it on 24 October in a post on X and cited "the prevailing situation in the region". Spectate Media has not seen the airlines' notice and relies on PTI and ANI reports.
What the other airlines have done
IndiGo cancelled Riyadh flights until 31 October in an announcement on 23 October. On 24 October it extended cancellations for Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah to 31 October, from 27 October. Akasa Air extended its Riyadh suspension to 30 November and Jeddah to 10 November, announced on 23 October. The PTI report cites escalating geopolitical tensions and attacks at airports in Saudi Arabia, and does not name a group. The Week reported on 13 October that IndiGo's earlier cancellations followed Houthi attacks, and Spectate Media has not seen that article.
Passengers and refunds
Passengers with confirmed bookings made on or before 24 October can choose flexible rebooking or a full refund if the booking is cancelled. Air India allows one free rebooking to or from any operational Air India station in Saudi Arabia. For Riyadh and Dammam, the new travel window runs to 21 November, and for Jeddah to 14 November. Air India Express passengers can also rebook to Bahrain or India stations. Dedicated support teams are handling affected passengers, according to ANI. The reports give no figure for passengers affected.
Government support
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah is running round-the-clock control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah, with local community groups providing food, medicine and relief. It is in touch with airlines on refunds and is connecting Umrah tour operators with airlines still flying to India.
Key numbers
- Air India, Riyadh and Dammam: Until 7 November (Jeddah until 31 October)
- IndiGo, Saudi routes: Until 31 October (Jeddah, Dammam, Madinah, Riyadh)
- Akasa Air, Riyadh: Until 30 November (Jeddah until 10 November)
- Free rebooking: Bookings up to 24 October (Or a full refund on cancellation)
What boards and CFOs should note
Three points stand out. First, suspension dates have been extended several times, so travel and tour operators cannot plan on a fixed restart. Second, the airlines' end dates range from 31 October to 30 November. Third, bookings made after 24 October fall outside the stated rebooking and refund terms.
Source: The Federal (PTI), 25 October 2026. This is a summary of a news report, published as general information. It is not legal, tax or investment advice.
This article is journalism and commentary. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security, and it is not professional advice. Read the full disclaimer.
