Air India extends Saudi flight suspension until Nov

Air India and Air India Express have extended the suspension of flights to Riyadh and Dammam until November 7 and to Jeddah until October 31, citing the prevailing situation in the region.

The extensions come following IndiGo, which also cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until October 31, while Akasa Air suspended services to Jeddah until November 10 and Riyadh until November 30, according to announcements by the airlines.

The disruptions in the region have also prompted Indian diplomatic missions to step up assistance for affected passengers, including Umrah pilgrims facing delayed departures and accommodation difficulties.

Air India and Air India Express are offering eligible passengers with confirmed bookings issued on or before October 24 the option of flexible rebooking or a full refund upon cancellation.

Meanwhile, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah activated round-the-clock control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah to assist affected Indian nationals earlier.

It is also coordinating with Saudi authorities on visa extensions and delayed departures, while helping arrange food, medicines and other immediate relief for pilgrims.

The consulate had advised Umrah pilgrims facing accommodation or service issues to contact the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's Pilgrim Care Centre at 1966 within Saudi Arabia and share their case reference numbers with consular control rooms for follow-up.

Earlier today, Saudi authorities issued alerts over a potential aerial threat in several areas, including Mecca, Jeddah, Yanbu and Taif, later confirming that the danger had passed.

The Saudi-led coalition also said air defences intercepted two ballistic missiles aimed at Taif and Yanbu, ANI reported.