The carrier said it is closely monitoring developments before deciding when services can resume, Hindustan Times reported, quoting sources. The airline will offer affected passengers a full refund if they cancel their bookings. Air India has extended the cancellation of flights to and from Riyadh until October 15, as security concerns persist following attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia.
Air India Express, IndiGo and Akasa Air also announced cancellations earlier this week, although their initial suspension periods differed. Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group claimed responsibility for missile attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The flight was subsequently cancelled, and affected passengers were offered refunds. Air India is among several carriers that have suspended operations to Riyadh following the attacks. The disruption has affected hundreds of flights.
Because of security concerns in the Middle East, germany’s Lufthansa Group separately announced that flights to Riyadh would remain suspended until October 16. Saudi authorities said three Saudi nationals were killed and several people injured in attacks on the airport on Thursday, October 8. More than 275 flights were cancelled at King Khalid International Airport on Thursday, according to flight-tracking figures.
The airline said the aircraft returned in the interest of passenger and crew safety.
Air India refund policy: What should affected passengers do?
Air India has said passengers affected by the extended Riyadh flight cancellations will be eligible for a full refund if they cancel their bookings.
