Air India and Air India Express extend Saudi flight cancellations to October 24 after Houthi attack on Riyadh airport

On 17 October 2026, Air India and Air India Express announced they would extend the suspension of flights between India and Saudi Arabia until 24 October, after Houthi rebel strikes on civilian infrastructure, including Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. The two carriers suspended all operations to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam. IndiGo and Akasa Air had already cancelled their Saudi services earlier in the week. Across Saudi Arabia, roughly 46% of 8,883 scheduled departures between 8 and 15 October were cancelled or not operated, and Emirates has had repeated schedule changes on its Dubai–Dammam flights. Two Indian nationals wounded in the 10 October airport attack remain in intensive care. The Indian Embassy advised nationals to consider alternative transit routes through Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar, and Umrah pilgrims were warned of extended delays and possible cancellations. Air India and Air India Express said passengers with tickets issued on or before 15 October and travel dates between 9 and 25 October could change their date once for free until 10 November 2026.