Air India and Air India Express have extended the suspension of all flights to and from Saudi Arabia's Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam until November 14, 2026, citing the prevailing security situation in West Asia.
The decision comes amid escalating hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebels, with repeated missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi infrastructure, including airports and oil facilities.
The latest escalation follows a series of attacks claimed by the Houthis on Saudi territory. On October 10, a strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300, according to Saudi authorities. The victims included Saudi nationals and foreign citizens. Airport operations were temporarily suspended following the attack.
The Houthis, an armed movement that controls large parts of Yemen, have claimed responsibility for several attacks against Saudi targets. The group has also warned airlines against operating in Saudi airspace, declaring it a military operations zone.
The conflict is linked to Yemen's decade-long civil war. Saudi Arabia intervened militarily in 2015 in support of Yemen's internationally recognised government against the Houthis. A UN-brokered truce in 2022 had significantly reduced hostilities, but fighting has intensified again in 2026.
The latest suspension also follows earlier flight cancellations by Indian carriers. IndiGo has suspended services to and from Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until November 14, while Akasa Air has suspended flights to Riyadh until November 30 and Jeddah until November 10.
Air India and Air India Express have offered eligible passengers a one-time complimentary rebooking, subject to availability, for travel until November 29, or a full refund upon cancellation.