Air India Cancels All Saudi Arabia Flights Until Oct 20 Amid Security Risks

MUMBAI: State carrier Air India has officially suspended all scheduled flight operations to major destinations across Saudi Arabia—including Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah—until October 20, citing escalating regional security concerns following recent Houthi militant strikes in the Kingdom.

According to Indian media reports, the decision has disrupted travel plans for thousands of passengers holding confirmed bookings to and from Saudi Arabia. Aviation officials confirmed that the temporary operational halt impacts multiple daily direct flights originating from key Indian transit hubs. Affected travelers are being offered options for full fare refunds or complimentary rebooking on alternative dates once safety clearances are re-evaluated by international air safety authorities.

The disruption underscores growing vulnerabilities in commercial aviation corridors across the Arabian Peninsula amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Security analysts note that cross-border drone and missile activity has repeatedly forced international airlines to reroute flights, leading to longer transit durations, increased fuel expenditures, and heightened precautionary measures across Middle Eastern airspace.

Civil aviation regulators in New Delhi are maintaining continuous liaison with regional security agencies to assess the ongoing situation. Further updates regarding the potential resumption of flights or extended schedule modifications are expected prior to the October 20 deadline, contingent on comprehensive security clearance from Saudi air traffic management.