Routine flight operations between India and West Asia continue to face disruptions as the ongoing military confrontation involving the United States, Israel and Iran intensifies across the Middle East. In response to the evolving situation, major Indian carriers IndiGo and Air India have announced special flight operations to ensure passenger movement and provide evacuation support if necessary.
The airlines confirmed that additional flights will operate to and from several key Middle Eastern destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. According to operational plans, Air India will run 58 flights to and from West Asia, while IndiGo will operate services to eight destinations across the region starting March 11.
Government Monitoring Situation Closely
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said it is closely monitoring developments in West Asia and assessing their potential impact on aviation operations between India and the region. Officials noted that airlines have sought operational flexibility to manage the volatile situation and ensure safe travel for passengers.
According to government data, Indian airlines operated 45 inbound flights from West Asia on March 9, bringing back 7,047 passengers to India. Authorities said coordination efforts are ongoing to ensure safe evacuation and uninterrupted travel for those stranded or planning to return home.
Air India Group Announces Additional Flights
The Air India Express and Air India have also arranged several ad-hoc flights depending on slot availability and prevailing conditions at departure airports. The Air India group confirmed that 36 additional non-scheduled flights are being operated to and from the United Arab Emirates with the necessary permissions from Indian and local aviation regulators.
Under the new schedule, Air India will operate one round-trip flight each from Delhi and Mumbai to Jeddah. Meanwhile, Air India Express will run round-trip flights from Hyderabad and Kozhikode to Jeddah.
Air India Express will also maintain its scheduled services to Muscat, operating flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram and Tiruchirappalli, along with two daily round-trips from Kochi.
IndiGo Expands Flights Across Middle East
IndiGo also announced that it will operate flights to eight destinations across the Middle East, along with select routes to Europe, on March 11 as part of efforts to manage travel demand and disruptions caused by the regional crisis.
DGCA Allows Operational Flexibility
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has coordinated with relevant authorities to allow additional arrival and departure slots for airlines. Officials also permitted the use of Muscat International Airport as an alternate transit airport for flights travelling to and from cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, Fujairah, Jeddah and Medinah.
Authorities emphasised that passenger safety and continuity of services remain the top priority, and airlines will continue adjusting flight operations depending on security conditions and airspace availability in the region.
