AI, AI Express extend Riyadh flight cancellations

Air India and Air India Express announced on Saturday that the airlines have further extended flight cancellations to and from Riyadh due to prevailing security worries in the area.

Air India Express will not be operating its Riyadh services until October 14, while Air India has also cancelled its flights on the route until October 15.

Previously, the Tata-owned airlines had cancelled their flights up to October 10 because of the developing security situation in Saudi Arabia.

Both airlines are reviewing their operations considering the prevailing security worries. The passengers whose flights have been cancelled will be provided with full refunds.

Air India Express is also offering free rescheduling facilities to its passengers.

Riyadh airport concerns disrupt flights from six Indian cities

Air India Express provides 16 weekly flights to Riyadh from four Indian cities including Bengaluru, Kochi, Kannur and Kozhikode. Air India, meanwhile, offers seven weekly flights to the capital city of Saudi Arabia from Delhi and Mumbai.

These suspensions, which are now further extended, are likely to have an impact on those travelling to the country via these routes for various reasons such as business, employment or meeting families, among others.

Akasa Air too had earlier announced the suspension of its flights to Riyadh till October 11, according to information that had been available till Friday.

The extension is part of security considerations amid threats to airports in Saudi Arabia as it was reported earlier in the week that airports in Riyadh and Abha were attacked by Houthi rebels.

Hostilities have increased between the Houthi group that is backed by Iran and Saudi Arabia in recent days, where drones and missiles are alleged to be used.

These incidents have led to changes in the plans of airlines as they continue to review the security situation and its possible effects on aviation.

With the Air India and Air India Express flights extended in their cancellations up until next week, people whose flights are bound for Riyadh could experience disruptions. No specific date has been mentioned for resumption of flights yet.