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 affects passengers travelling from Hyderabad on connecting services, although 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 the disruption could affect passengers’ travel plans. “We understand that these disruptions may affect our guests’ travel plans and are committed to providing as much flexibility as possible during this period,” they said.
The airlines’ decision follows missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi airports, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, according to the report. The suspension covers flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam, three important Saudi air gateways used by passengers travelling for work, business, religious visits and family-related journeys.
For passengers with confirmed bookings issued on or before October 15, 2026, and travel dates between October 9 and October 25, the airlines are offering a one-time complimentary date change. The revised journey must be taken by November 10, 2026, and the change will be subject to the respective airline’s availability.
Passengers who do not want to retain their original sector may also choose to rebook from an alternative station in the Gulf Cooperation Council region served by the airline. The options differ between the two carriers. Air India passengers may rebook to or from Dubai or Doha, while Air India Express passengers may use Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Salalah or Sharjah, subject to availability.
Passengers choosing an alternative departure point will have to make their own arrangements to reach that airport. They will also be responsible for meeting the relevant visa and entry requirements for the country from which they depart. This means that a rebooking option may still require additional surface travel, immigration compliance and time before the onward flight.
The disruption is particularly relevant for Hyderabad passengers because their itineraries to Saudi Arabia may include a connection through another airport. Although there are no direct Hyderabad flights to Jeddah, Riyadh or Dammam operated by the affected airlines, passengers holding connecting bookings may still face cancellations or changes to their complete journey.
The airlines said details of cancellations and rebooking options were being communicated to affected passengers. Those whose flights have been cancelled may also choose a full refund if they decide not to travel. The temporary suspension and associated flexibility measures currently apply to the dates and booking conditions specified by the airlines.
