Air India Group to Operate 80 Flights to West Asia Amid Ongoing Conflict
Synopsis
On March 14, Air India and Air India Express will operate a total of 80 flights to and from West Asia, amidst the escalating US-Israel and Iran war. Stay updated on the latest flight schedules and surcharges affecting travelers.
Key Takeaways
Air India and Air India Express will operate 80 flights this Saturday.
Flights include destinations like Jeddah and Muscat .
62 non-scheduled flights are planned to UAE and Saudi Arabia .
IndiGo has implemented a fuel surcharge due to rising fuel costs.
Fuel surcharges vary based on the route and destination.
New Delhi, March 14 (NationPress) Air India and Air India Express are set to operate a combined total of 80 flights, both scheduled and non-scheduled, to and from the West Asia region this Saturday, amidst the ongoing conflict between the US-Israel and Iran. The airlines are maintaining their regular services to and from Jeddah and Muscat on March 14, with a total of 10 flights to and from Jeddah, and Air India Express operating 8 flights to and from Muscat, according to an airline statement.
Furthermore, Air India will conduct one round-trip from Delhi and two round-trips from Mumbai to Jeddah, while Air India Express will operate flights from Kozhikode and Mangaluru to Jeddah and back.
Air India Express will also continue its scheduled services to Muscat, with one round-trip each from Delhi, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Mumbai.
In addition to these scheduled flights, Air India and Air India Express plan to run a total of 62 non-scheduled flights to and from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, dependent on slot availability and current conditions at departure points.
“These flights are being conducted with the necessary approvals from the relevant Indian and local authorities,” stated the airline.
The Air India group is actively seeking opportunities to operate additional ad-hoc flights to and from various destinations in West Asia.
Meanwhile, IndiGo has announced the implementation of a fuel surcharge on both domestic and international flight tickets starting March 14, in response to a significant hike in aviation turbine fuel prices linked to the tensions in the Middle East.
The surcharge will range from Rs 425 to Rs 2,300, depending on the route, the airline reported.
This decision comes as airlines grapple with rising operational costs due to the escalating prices of jet fuel amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf.
Previously, Air India and Air India Express announced a fuel surcharge on flight tickets. A surcharge of Rs 399 per ticket on domestic flights took effect from March 12, which also applies to flights heading to South Asian destinations.
For international routes, the surcharge will differ based on the destination. Flights to West Asia will incur an additional charge of $10 per ticket, while passengers flying to Africa will face an increase of $30 to $90. Services to Southeast Asia will see surcharges ranging from $20 to $60.
Point of View
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is impacting global travel and aviation sectors. Airlines like Air India and IndiGo are adapting to these challenges by increasing flight operations and implementing surcharges. These developments reflect the dynamic nature of international relations and their direct implications for travelers.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many flights will Air India operate to West Asia?
Air India and Air India Express will operate a total of 80 flights to and from the West Asia region on March 14.
What destinations are included in the flight schedule?
The flights will service destinations including Jeddah and Muscat, with additional non-scheduled flights to the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
What is the reason for the fuel surcharge introduced by IndiGo?
IndiGo introduced a fuel surcharge due to a sharp increase in aviation turbine fuel prices linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
When did the fuel surcharge for Air India flights come into effect?
The fuel surcharge for domestic flights with Air India and Air India Express took effect on March 12.
What is the range of the surcharge for international flights?
The surcharge for international flights varies by destination, with flights to West Asia incurring an additional $10 per ticket.
