Air India and Air India Express on Thursday suspended all flights to and from Riyadh until October 10 following a series of attacks on Saudi Arabian airports claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The decision came as escalating hostilities in the region disrupted international aviation operations, forcing airlines to cancel or divert flights amid concerns over passenger and crew safety.
An Air India flight operating from Delhi to Riyadh was forced to return midway on Thursday afternoon after reports emerged of another missile attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital. Flight AI2243 had departed from Delhi and was travelling over western India when its pilots decided to turn back in view of the deteriorating security situation.
Airlines suspend operations
Air India said it was closely monitoring developments in Saudi Arabia and had temporarily suspended its Riyadh services as a precautionary measure. Its low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express, also halted operations on the route, while Akasa Air cancelled flights to the Saudi capital following the latest security developments.
The suspension affects passengers travelling between India and Riyadh, with airlines advising travellers to check their flight status before proceeding to airports. Further operational decisions will depend on the security situation and the availability of safe flight routes.