Air India has cautioned passengers about possible disruptions to US-bound and India-bound flights after a nationwide air traffic control communications failure forced American authorities to halt departures.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi/ November 14: Air India has warned passengers travelling to and from the United States of possible flight disruptions after a nationwide air traffic control ground stop was imposed following communications outages across the country.
In a travel advisory issued on Saturday, the airline said the disruption was affecting departures from airports across the US and could have consequential effects on its services connecting India with American destinations.
“Passengers are advised to check the latest status of their flights and plan their journey to the airport accordingly,” Air India said in a post on X.
The airline added that its teams were closely monitoring the situation and would provide further updates as necessary. Passengers have been advised to check their flight status through the airline’s website before leaving for the airport.
The advisory follows a major communications breakdown in the US air traffic control network that forced aviation authorities to suspend departures nationwide for several hours, disrupting thousands of flights and triggering widespread delays and cancellations.
READ: US ATC Outage Grounds Flights Nationwide, Disrupts More Than 11,000 Services
Air India, Air India Express suspend Saudi flights
#TravelAdvisory
Due to the prevailing situation in the region, Air India and Air India Express flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam will remain suspended until 30 November 2026. Flights to and from Jeddah will remain suspended until 21 November 2026.
Guests holding confirmed bookings issued on or before 10 November 2026, with travel dates up to 30 November 2026 for Riyadh and Dammam, and up to 21 November 2026 for Jeddah, may avail a complimentary rescheduling, subject to availability, or opt for a full refund upon cancellation.
Air India guests may reschedule their travel to or from any operational Air India station in Saudi Arabia. Air India Express guests may reschedule their travel to or from any operational Air India Express station in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain.
For Riyadh and Dammam bookings, revised travel may be completed up to 14 December 2026. For Jeddah bookings, revised travel may be completed up to 5 December 2026.
For assistance with rescheduling or refunds, guests may contact our support teams:
Air India: +91 11 69329333 / +91 11 69329999
Air India Express: +91 124 6935600Guests may also reach out through our city booking offices.
— Air India (@airindia) November 13, 2026
Separately, Air India and Air India Express have extended the suspension of flights to and from three Saudi Arabian cities amid the prevailing regional situation.
According to another travel advisory issued by the airline, flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam will remain suspended until November 30, 2026. Services connecting Jeddah will remain suspended until November 21.
The airlines have offered affected passengers complimentary rescheduling, subject to seat availability, or full refunds upon cancellation.
The concession applies to passengers holding confirmed tickets issued on or before November 10, with travel scheduled up to November 30 for Riyadh and Dammam, and November 21 for Jeddah.
Air India passengers can reschedule their journeys to or from any operational Air India station in Saudi Arabia. Air India Express passengers can opt for alternative services connecting operational stations in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain.
Passengers with Riyadh and Dammam bookings can complete their revised journeys by December 14, while those holding Jeddah bookings can reschedule travel up to December 5.
For assistance with changes or refunds, Air India passengers can contact the airline at +91 11 69329333 or +91 11 69329999. Air India Express passengers can call +91 124 6935600.
The two advisories come amid continuing uncertainty over international flight operations, with the US communications outage affecting aviation schedules and the regional situation prompting extended restrictions on services to Saudi Arabia.
