Air India Express has cancelled flights to and from Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh until October 17 as security concerns disrupt air travel in Saudi Arabia.

The airline announced the suspension on Tuesday, October 13, citing the evolving situation in the region. Passengers affected by the cancellations can reschedule their journeys without additional charges or opt for a full refund if they cancel their bookings.

“In view of the evolving situation in the region, we have cancelled flights to and from Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh until 17 October,” an Air India Express spokesperson said.

The airline added that it was monitoring developments closely and would assess the situation before making further decisions on its operations.

Riyadh Airport Closure Disrupts Airline Operations

The suspension follows a series of missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, including strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The attacks have triggered widespread flight cancellations and heightened concerns about the safety of civil aviation in the region.

Saudi authorities have extended the closure of Riyadh airport until October 17, according to reports, forcing airlines to revise their schedules and suspend services to the Saudi capital.

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi targets. The developments come amid escalating regional tensions linked to the wider conflict involving Iran and the United States.

The disruption has affected several international carriers, with airlines extending suspensions as they assess security risks and await further updates from aviation authorities.

Indian Carriers Extend Flight Suspensions

Air India has also cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam until October 17. IndiGo has suspended services to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah through the same date, while Akasa Air has extended cancellations on routes connecting Saudi Arabia.

The airlines have advised passengers to check their flight status and contact their carriers or travel agents for assistance before heading to the airport.

The latest cancellations extend disruptions that began earlier this month after attacks affected operations at Riyadh airport. Airlines had initially announced shorter suspensions before extending them as the security situation deteriorated.

Air India Express said it would continue monitoring developments. The resumption of services will depend on the evolving security situation and assessments of whether operations can be conducted safely.