{
  "id": 15173518,
  "title": "Air India, Air India Express extend Saudi flight suspension; refund options explained",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/air-india-air-india-express-extend-saudi-flight-suspension-refund",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T09:09:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/air-india-air-india-express-extend-saudi-flight-suspension-refund-options-explained-1.500714054"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Air India and Air India Express have temporarily halted flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam until October 24, 2026, due to ongoing circumstances. The airlines have introduced flexible rebooking choices and refunds to aid passengers impacted by the disruption. Passengers with bookings issued on or before October 15, 2026, and scheduled for travel between October 9 and 25 can enjoy a complimentary date change for travel up to November 10, provided the applicable conditions are met. Alternatively, those who prefer not to travel on their originally scheduled route on a later date may opt to rebook from an alternative Gulf airport offered by their respective airline, contingent on availability. For Air India, passengers can rebook to or from Dubai or Doha, while Air India Express allows alternative departure or arrival points such as Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Salalah, and Sharjah. Travelers choosing an alternative airport are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the departure point and must confirm their visa and entry requirements. Passengers who have had their flights cancelled can also choose a full refund if they decide not to travel. To seek assistance with rebooking or refunds, passengers can reach out to the airlines' call centers or visit their city booking offices in the Gulf region and India. Air India's contact center can be reached at +91 11 6932 9333 or +91 11 6932 9999, while Air India Express' contact center is available at +91 124 693 5600. Both airlines emphasized their ongoing monitoring of the situation and pledged to provide further updates as needed. Passengers are urged to verify their flight status and finalize rebooking arrangements directly with their airline prior to traveling to the airport. Indian airlines have extended flight cancellations in Saudi Arabia as disruptions at Riyadh airport persist. IndiGo has also ceased flights to and from Saudi Arabia due to closures at Riyadh airport, and Indian Umrah pilgrims are advised to check flight status before traveling. The article provides a comprehensive list of cancellations, suspensions, and travel warnings involving UAE-Saudi flights.",
  "summary": "Air India and Air India Express have temporarily suspended flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam until October 24, 2026, citing the prevailing situation. The airlines have announced flexible rebooking options and refunds to help passengers affected by the disruption. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here. Complimentary date changes and refunds…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}