Air India Extends Riyadh Flight Cancellations Until October 15 Amid Security Threats in Saudi Arabia

Air India on Monday extended the suspension of its flights to and from Riyadh until October 15 following repeated attacks on Saudi Arabia’s capital airport by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels.

The disruption has also prompted other Indian carriers, including IndiGo, Air India Express and Akasa Air, to cancel flights to affected destinations in Saudi Arabia.

The latest attacks have intensified regional aviation disruptions, with airlines revising schedules amid heightened tensions linked to the broader conflict involving Iran and the United States. Saudi authorities have kept Riyadh airport closed for the time being following the strikes and subsequent security threats.

IndiGo has extended the cancellation of its flights to Riyadh and Dammam until October 15. Air India Express has cancelled services to Dammam and Jeddah for October 12 and suspended flights to Riyadh until October 15. Akasa Air has also halted flights to Jeddah and Riyadh until October 13.

Saudi Arabia reported fresh incoming drone and missile threats on Monday. The Saudi-led coalition supporting government forces in Yemen said it had detected incoming aerial projectiles, although no immediate information was available about damage from the latest barrage.

The Houthis have stepped up attacks on Saudi airports and energy infrastructure over the past week, widening a conflict that has increasingly spilled across the region.

The strikes have led to restrictions on parts of Saudi airspace, disrupted operations at Riyadh airport and significantly reduced air traffic over the capital.

Continuing uncertainty has forced airlines to prioritise passenger safety and operational security, resulting in extended cancellations and travel disruptions for passengers flying between India and Saudi Arabia.