New Delhi – Air India announced on Tuesday that it will cancel all flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until October 20, 2026. The airline said the decision reflects the evolving security situation in Saudi Arabia and that it is continuously monitoring developments to ensure a safe resumption of operations.
Refund process for affected passengers
Passengers whose bookings have been impacted are eligible for a full refund, according to the carrier. Air India outlined a step‑by‑step guide for travelers seeking reimbursement. Those who booked through the airline’s website or mobile app are instructed to use the “Manage Booking” section to submit a refund request. Travelers who purchased tickets via a travel agent, third‑party website or an Air India ticketing office should contact the respective party to initiate the process.
For refunds processed directly by Air India, customers can check the status of their claim through the airline’s refund support portal by selecting “Status Check on Pending Refund.” The refunded amount will be credited to the original payment method; if that account is closed or no longer valid, passengers are asked to provide new bank details to an Air India representative at a ticketing office.
Broader airline disruptions in the region
The suspension follows a series of flight disruptions announced last week after reports of explosions, including a loud blast at Riyadh’s international airport. Alongside Air India, other Indian carriers such as Akasa Air and IndiGo reduced or halted services to Riyadh.
International airlines have also adjusted schedules. Air France‑KLM extended its Riyadh suspension through the end of October, while Akasa Air halted services to Jeddah and Riyadh until October 17. IndiGo cancelled flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah through the same date. Etihad Airways stopped all flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh and suspended ten flights to Dammam and Jeddah until October 19. Gulf Air cancelled Riyadh flights from October 12 to 17, and Lufthansa Group halted Riyadh services until October 16.
Further afield, Malaysia Airlines suspended flights to Jeddah and Madinah until October 17, Philippine Airlines prolonged its Riyadh suspension to November 29, and Qatar Airways temporarily halted Riyadh and Dammam flights. Some carriers have postponed the resumption of routes entirely: Cathay Pacific pushed back its Hong Kong‑Dubai and Hong Kong‑Riyadh services to January 31, 2027, and Delta Air Lines delayed its Atlanta‑Riyadh flights to March 2027.
Air India’s internal cost‑saving measures
In parallel with the operational disruptions, Air India has formed a dedicated cost‑savings team to address rising operating pressures. The airline’s chief executive, Tewolde Gebremariam, communicated to staff on October 12 that a “multidisciplinary, cross‑functional Cost Savings Team” has been established on a full‑time basis to identify opportunities across the organisation.
Gebremariam emphasized that the team will review spending across all departments and seek ways to reduce expenses. He cited ongoing airspace closures, the protracted Middle East conflict and persistently high jet‑fuel prices as key factors placing “significant pressure on airlines across the industry.”
Financially, Air India – jointly owned by the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines – reported a consolidated loss of Rs 22,238.23 crore for the 2025‑26 fiscal year. The loss underscores the strain on carriers operating amid geopolitical uncertainty and volatile energy markets.
The Middle East conflict, now exceeding seven months, continues to affect airline schedules and oil markets, prompting carriers worldwide to adopt precautionary measures. Air India’s decision to suspend services to three major Saudi cities reflects both immediate safety concerns and broader strategic considerations as the airline navigates a challenging operating environment.
Passengers seeking refunds are encouraged to follow the outlined procedures promptly. Air India reiterated that safety and security for passengers and crew remain its highest priority as it works toward a safe return to the affected routes.
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