Now Reading: Houthi threats force Air India and IndiGo to cancel Riyadh flights until 10 October
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Houthi threats force Air India and IndiGo to cancel Riyadh flights until 10 October
Houthi threats force Air India and IndiGo to cancel Riyadh flights until 10 October
Air India, IndiGo, and Air India Express cancelled all flights to and from Riyadh until 10 October on Thursday, 8 October, citing deteriorating security after Houthi rebels warned global airlines of consequences for operating in Saudi airspace. The Iran-backed group declared the area a ‘target zone’. The airlines offered affected passengers full refunds or free rescheduling.
Saudi authorities said on Wednesday, 7 October that three people were killed in Houthi attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and Abha airport, the first deaths since Saudi and allied Yemeni forces launched major ground and air operations against the rebels. King Khalid airport advised travellers to check with their airline before heading to the airport. An Air India flight from Delhi (AI2243) was turned back over the Arabian Sea and returned to Delhi.
The flight cancellations come after several explosions were reported in the Saudi capital. Houthi rebels have repeatedly claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi airports, military and oil facilities in recent days.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Flight cancellations to Riyadh until 10 October mean thousands of travellers face disruption, with full refunds or free rescheduling offered. The Houthi declaration of Saudi airspace as a ‘target zone’ and the fatal attacks on 7 October have made airlines prioritise crew and passenger safety over routes. The return of AI2243 mid-air shows that even airborne flights are being turned back. The key watch item is whether airlines extend the suspension beyond 10 October if the Houthi threat persists, or if Saudi forces regain airspace control by then.
Source: tv9hindi.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
