Air India suspends Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam flights until November 14
Synopsis
Air India and Air India Express have grounded all flights to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam until 14 November, as attacks on Saudi airports and infrastructure — including strikes that killed one Indian and injured three others — force a full suspension. Over 10,000 Umrah pilgrims have already returned to India, but the situation remains fluid.
Key Takeaways
Air India and Air India Express suspended all flights to Jeddah , Riyadh , and Dammam until 14 November 2026 .
Passengers with bookings issued on or before 30 October 2026 can rebook up to 29 November 2026 or get a full refund.
One Indian national was killed and two others injured in the attack on Dammam airport ; another Indian was injured at the Shaybah oil field .
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed Indian Embassy and Consulate in Saudi Arabia are coordinating repatriation efforts.
More than 10,000 Umrah pilgrims have returned to India over the past month.
Air India and Air India Express have suspended all flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam until 14 November 2026, citing the deteriorating security situation in Saudi Arabia. The suspension affects passengers with existing bookings and comes against the backdrop of attacks on civilian infrastructure, including airports in Riyadh and Dammam.
What the Suspension Covers
Both carriers have halted services to and from the three major Saudi cities with immediate effect. Passengers holding confirmed bookings issued on or before 30 October 2026, for travel scheduled up to 14 November, are eligible for a one-time complimentary rebooking or a full refund on cancellation.
Rebooking is available for travel up to 29 November 2026, subject to seat availability. Air India customers may rebook to or from any operational Air India destination within Saudi Arabia, while Air India Express passengers can rebook to or from any operational Air India Express station in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain.
Attacks on Saudi Infrastructure Trigger the Move
The suspension comes amid continued strikes on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Attacks on airports in Riyadh and Dammam have been reported, with direct consequences for Indian nationals. One Indian national was killed and two others were injured in the attack on Dammam airport, while another Indian was injured in an attack on the Shaybah oil field, according to reports.
This is the latest in a series of escalating incidents that have forced airlines to reassess operations across the Gulf region.
Indian Government's Response
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had earlier this month confirmed that the Indian Embassy and Consulate in Saudi Arabia are actively coordinating with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the return of stranded Indian pilgrims. Over the past month, hundreds of stranded Umrah pilgrims have returned to India, and more than 10,000 normal Umrah pilgrims have also travelled back.
How Affected Passengers Can Seek Help
Both airlines have advised impacted travellers to reach out to their respective customer service teams, visit city booking offices, or contact call centres using details listed on their official websites. The airlines have not yet announced whether the suspension will be extended beyond 14 November, leaving passengers in uncertainty as the regional situation continues to evolve.
Point of View
Many of whom are low-income workers and pilgrims without the means to arrange alternative travel. The MEA's 'actively coordinating' language, while reassuring in tone, has not yet been matched by a structured evacuation or repatriation protocol. If the situation extends past 14 November — which appears plausible — the human and diplomatic cost will rise sharply.
NationPress
30 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have Air India and Air India Express suspended Saudi Arabia flights?
Both carriers suspended flights to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam until 14 November 2026 due to the deteriorating security situation in Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian infrastructure such as airports in Riyadh and Dammam. The safety of passengers and crew is cited as the primary reason.
What options are available for passengers with existing bookings?
Passengers with confirmed bookings issued on or before 30 October 2026 for travel up to 14 November can either rebook for travel up to 29 November 2026 (subject to seat availability) or opt for a full refund. They can contact the airlines' customer service teams, city booking offices, or call centres for assistance.
Were any Indian nationals affected by the attacks in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. One Indian national was killed and two others were injured in an attack on Dammam airport, while another Indian was injured in a separate attack on the Shaybah oil field, according to reports.
What is the Indian government doing for stranded pilgrims in Saudi Arabia?
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the Indian Embassy and Consulate in Saudi Arabia are actively coordinating with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the return of stranded Indian pilgrims. More than 10,000 Umrah pilgrims have already returned to India over the past month.
Will the flight suspension be extended beyond 14 November 2026?
Neither Air India nor Air India Express has announced an extension as of 30 October 2026. The airlines have advised affected passengers to monitor their official websites for updates, as the situation in the region continues to evolve.
