Air India and Air India Express have announced the temporary suspension of flight operations to several cities in Saudi Arabia following a surge in cross-border hostilities. The decision comes after Yemen-based Houthi rebels claimed a series of coordinated strikes targeting key energy infrastructure and major transport hubs within the Kingdom. According to the airline's latest travel advisory, services to and from Riyadh and Dammam will remain suspended until November 7, while operations involving Jeddah are paused until October 31.
The Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, publicly claimed responsibility for the strikes, stating that the group targeted a Saudi Aramco facility located in Yanbu and the Rabigh oil refinery. Furthermore, the rebel group asserted that they had launched attacks against international airports in Riyadh, Dammam, and Najran, alongside an air base situated in Khamis Mushait. While these claims were widely circulated by the group's media channels, there has been no immediate confirmation from Saudi authorities regarding the extent of the damage or the specific impact on these sites.
The escalating tension in the region was further underscored by reported airstrikes in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. Houthi-affiliated media outlets alleged that these Saudi airstrikes resulted in 16 fatalities. Additionally, the Houthi leadership claimed that their forces conducted strikes on the Al-Nasr camp and a naval base in Aden, which currently serves as the interim seat for the internationally recognised government. The group maintained that these particular sites were under the direct supervision of Saudi military personnel.
This latest uptick in violence follows a period of persistent instability in Aden. Earlier in October, reports indicated a missile strike on the presidential palace complex that claimed five lives and left 16 others wounded. While Yemeni officials confirmed the attack, they noted that Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani and other senior government officials remained unharmed during the incident. The intensity of these recent confrontations has prompted widespread concern regarding the safety of regional transit corridors.
In response to the operational disruptions, Air India has initiated a relief plan for passengers holding confirmed bookings issued on or before October 24. The airline is providing options for flexible rebooking or full refunds for those whose travel plans have been impacted. Passengers scheduled for flights to Riyadh and Dammam are eligible for a one-time complimentary rebooking to other operational Air India stations within Saudi Arabia, with travel permitted until November 21. Similar provisions have been made for Jeddah-bound passengers, with the deadline set for November 14.
Air India Express has mirrored these measures, allowing affected passengers to rebook flights to operational stations in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, or India. The carrier’s customer service teams and city booking offices are currently engaged in assisting travelers with the processing of these requests. Airline officials have emphasised that these rebooking facilities remain subject to seat availability and the company's established terms and conditions.
As the situation develops, international observers continue to monitor the impact of these strikes on regional energy infrastructure and diplomatic stability. The suspension of air services marks a significant disruption for travelers and cargo movement between India and Saudi Arabia. For now, passengers are advised to maintain regular contact with their respective airlines for real-time updates regarding the status of their flights as the airlines navigate the evolving security landscape in the Gulf region.
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