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Turbulence continues for Saudi flyers as Air India extends flight curbs till Nov 14

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The airline network cuts deepen travel disruptions across the Gulf as security risks escalate from both airborne and maritime threats. Air India and Air India Express passengers holding confirmed bookings can reschedule travel through late November or claim full reimbursements. Operational pauses by IndiGo and Akasa Air reflect widespread industry caution following a reported drone interception near Mecca by coalition forces. Concurrently, naval security incidents involving explosives and mines have crippled commercial tankers navigating waters off Oman and the Strait of Hormuz.

Key points

  • Commercial aviation between India and Saudi Arabia faces widespread cancellations as majo…: Commercial aviation between India and Saudi Arabia faces widespread cancellations as major carriers respond to regional security risks.
  • Military confrontations involving Yemen's Houthi rebels and intercepted aerial targets ha…: Military confrontations involving Yemen's Houthi rebels and intercepted aerial targets have directly impacted flight corridors across Saudi airspace.
  • Escalating regional hostilities are simultaneously disrupting sea traffic, with reported…: Escalating regional hostilities are simultaneously disrupting sea traffic, with reported mine and explosive attacks disabling tankers in strategic waterways.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Air India and Air India Express have extended the suspension of flights to and from Saudi Arabia until November 14 amid growing unrest in West Asia. The extension covers services connecting Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam.

Earlier, IndiGo cancelled flights to and from Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until November 14. Akasa Air also announced suspension of flights connecting Riyadh until November 30 and Jeddah until November 10.

Air India announced the decision on Friday, citing the prevailing situation in the region. The two airlines had earlier cancelled services to Riyadh and Dammam until November 7, while flights to Jeddah were suspended until October 31.

"Due to the prevailing situation in the region, Air India and Air India Express flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam will remain suspended until 14 November 2026 (inclusive)," Air India said in a post on X.

Passengers with confirmed bookings issued on or before October 30 for travel up to November 14 can avail themselves of a one-time complimentary rebooking, subject to availability. They can reschedule their journeys for travel up to November 29 or…

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