Air India extends Saudi flight suspension to October 24 after Houthi strikes

what happened

Indian carrier Air India and its low-cost arm, Air India Express, have pushed back the halt on routes linking India with Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia, now until October 24. The carriers cite unstable conditions in West Asia following Houthi rebel attacks in the region, according to a report carried by TradingView that originated with Mint.

Passengers holding tickets issued on or before October 15 for trips between October 9 and 25 can change their travel date once at no cost, as long as the new flight departs by November 10. Those unwilling to rebook on the same route may choose a departure from another GCC station, and cancelled flights qualify for a full refund.

IndiGo has also extended its Saudi suspension to October 24, while Akasa Air is holding Riyadh flights off until October 24 and Jeddah until October 21. The disruption followed an October 10 attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport that killed 13 people.

why it matters

For markets, the story points to lasting regional tension that hits air travel and tourism flows rather than energy supply directly. Extended cancellations cut passenger volumes on Gulf-linked routes and add pressure on airline earnings in the region.

market impact

Airlines and travel demand: prolonged route cuts weigh on carriers and tourism to the Gulf region

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