Air India halts Saudi flights through Oct. 24 amid Houthi attacks

Air India and its low-cost arm Air India Express have prolonged the temporary halt of operations to Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam until Oct. 24, citing heightened security risks after Houthi rebel strikes in the area. The decision follows an Oct. 10 missile attack on King Khalid International Airport that raised the death toll to 13, including an Indian national who later died. Travelers whose tickets were booked on or before Oct. 15 may adjust their travel dates once for free, rebook from other GCC hubs such as Dubai or Doha, or receive a full refund.

The airlines also allow rebooking to alternative West Asian destinations, with passengers responsible for their own onward travel and visa requirements. The suspension reflects the Houthis’ warning that Saudi airspace is unsafe except over Mecca and Medina, and their recent missile attempt near Aden International Airport.