Air India cancels Saudi Arabia flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until October 20
Full refunds are offered as the national carrier prioritises passenger safety during ongoing regional disruptions.
Air India has cancelled all flights connecting India with Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah until 20 October 2026, placing passenger and crew safety at the forefront of its operations.
The carrier announced that the decision follows a continuous assessment of the evolving security situation in Saudi Arabia. Air India confirmed that its operational teams are closely monitoring regional developments to ensure services resume safely as soon as conditions permit.
How affected passengers can claim full refunds
To ensure minimal inconvenience for travellers, Air India is offering full refunds on all cancelled bookings across its network.
Passengers who booked through the official Air India website or mobile application can initiate their refund directly through the "Manage Booking" section. Those who booked through travel agents or third-party platforms are advised to reach out directly to their booking providers. For tickets purchased at physical ticketing counters, refunds can be claimed by visiting the respective sales office. Air India has also enabled online status tracking for pending refund applications via its dedicated support portal.
Widespread adjustments across global carriers
Air India's proactive decision reflects a wider pattern across international aviation, as multiple carriers modify their Gulf flight schedules in response to Middle East airspace disruptions and security concerns.
| Airline | Affected Saudi Routes | Suspension Period |
|---|---|---|
| Air India | Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah | Until 20 October |
| IndiGo | Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Madinah | Until 17 October |
| Akasa Air | Jeddah, Riyadh | Until 17 October |
| Etihad Airways | Abu Dhabi–Riyadh, select Dammam/Jeddah | Until 19 October |
| Gulf Air | Riyadh | Until 17 October |
| Lufthansa Group | Riyadh | Until 16 October |
| Malaysia Airlines | Jeddah, Madinah | Until 17 October |
| Air France-KLM | Riyadh | End of October |
| Philippine Airlines | Riyadh | Until 29 November |
Long-distance international carriers have also pushed back planned resumptions. Cathay Pacific postponed its Hong Kong to Riyadh service until January 2027, while Delta Air Lines delayed its Atlanta to Riyadh launch to March 2027.
Strengthening operational resilience
Alongside managing flight schedules, Air India is implementing strategic measures to protect operational efficiency amid rising jet fuel prices and prolonged airspace closures across parts of the Middle East.
Chief Executive Officer Tewolde Gebremariam informed staff on 12 October that the airline has established a multidisciplinary, full-time Cost Savings Team. The cross-functional team is tasked with identifying operational efficiencies across departments while maintaining high service standards, ensuring the airline remains resilient through ongoing international industry pressures.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Air India cancellation duration | Until 20 October 2026 | Air India statement |
| Philippine Airlines suspension end | 29 November 2026 | Airline announcement |
| Air India FY26 consolidated loss | Rs 22,238.23 crore | Air India financial report |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| Riyadh | Saudi capital city where flights have been suspended. |
| Air India | National airline cancelling flights to three Saudi cities due to security concerns. |
| Saudi Arabia | Country where security conditions prompted flight suspensions. |
| Jeddah | Saudi port city affected by Air India flight cancellations. |
| Dammam | Saudi city affected by Air India flight cancellations. |
