Air India and Air India Express have temporarily suspended flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam until October 24, citing the prevailing West Asian conflict, heightened security risks and attacks targeting Saudi airports. The decision is affecting passengers travelling on connecting services from Hyderabad, even though neither airline operates direct flights from the city to the three Saudi destinations.
The airlines announced the suspension on their social media handles and said they were working to provide flexibility to passengers whose travel plans had been disrupted. “We understand that these disruptions may affect our guests’ travel plans and are committed to providing as much flexibility as possible during this period,” the airlines said.
The cancellations follow reports of missile and drone attacks targeting airports in Saudi Arabia, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The airlines have not specified individual flight numbers in the announcement, but said details of cancellations and rebooking options were being communicated directly to affected passengers.
Passengers with confirmed bookings issued on or before October 15, 2026, and travel dates between October 9 and October 25, 2026, are eligible for a one-time complimentary date change on the respective airline. The revised travel date must be on or before November 10, 2026, subject to availability.
Passengers who do not want to retain their original sector can also seek rebooking from an alternative station in the Gulf Cooperation Council region served by the airline. However, they will have to arrange their own travel to the alternative departure point and comply with the applicable visa and entry requirements.
For Air India passengers, alternative rebooking points include Dubai and Doha. Air India Express passengers may seek rebooking to or from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Salalah or Sharjah, subject to seat availability.
The disruption is particularly relevant to Hyderabad passengers who use connecting itineraries for travel to Saudi Arabia. While the city has no direct services to Jeddah, Riyadh or Dammam from the affected airlines, passengers may still be impacted if their connecting itinerary includes one of the suspended sectors.
Passengers whose flights have been cancelled may alternatively opt for a full refund if they decide not to travel. The airlines have advised affected guests to check the status of their bookings and use the communication channels provided for cancellation, rebooking or refund assistance. The temporary suspension is currently scheduled to remain in place until October 24.
