Air India and Air India Express Set to Launch 58 Flights to West Asia
Synopsis
Air India and Air India Express are gearing up to operate 58 flights to and from West Asia on March 12. This includes both scheduled and non-scheduled services, aiming to enhance connectivity in the region amid rising fuel costs.
Key Takeaways
Air India and Air India Express are operating 58 flights to West Asia.
Scheduled services include flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Muscat.
40 additional non-scheduled flights are anticipated to the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
New fuel surcharges are being introduced due to rising jet fuel prices.
All flights are authorized by the relevant regulatory bodies.
New Delhi, March 11 (NationPress) In an announcement made on Wednesday, Air India and Air India Express revealed that they will operate a combined total of 58 flights to and from West Asia on March 12.
Tomorrow, both airlines will conduct one non-scheduled round trip each to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, departing from Mumbai and Kozhikode.
The carriers will also run their scheduled services to Jeddah and Muscat, with 10 flights to and from Jeddah and 8 flights to and from Muscat, operated by Air India Express.
Moreover, Air India is set to operate one round-trip from Delhi and two round-trips from Mumbai to Jeddah, while Air India Express will provide one round-trip each from Bengaluru and Kozhikode to Jeddah.
Additionally, Air India Express will maintain its scheduled operations to Muscat, featuring one round-trip each from Delhi and Mumbai, along with two round-trips from Kozhikode.
Apart from these scheduled flights, both airlines are planning to operate a total of 40 non-scheduled flights to and from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, contingent on available slots and other current conditions at departure points.
All flights are being carried out with the necessary approvals from relevant Indian and local regulatory bodies.
Furthermore, all Air India flights to and from North America, Europe, Australia, and other regions are operating as per regular schedules, including 78 additional flights to and from Europe, the United States, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives from March 10-18.
The Air India group has expressed its commitment to explore further opportunities for additional ad-hoc flights to and from West Asia.
Earlier, the group announced a phased approach to expanding its fuel surcharges on both domestic and international routes due to the sharp rise in jet fuel prices, linked to the geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.
The new fuel surcharges are being rolled out in three phases, impacting all flights, including those operated by Air India Express.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the strategic move by Air India and Air India Express to enhance their flight offerings to West Asia. This initiative not only caters to increased demand but also showcases the airlines' resilience amidst fluctuating fuel prices. It's a commendable effort in ensuring connectivity and service continuity.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many flights will Air India and Air India Express operate to West Asia?
They will operate a total of 58 flights to and from West Asia on March 12.
What cities are included in the flights to West Asia?
The flights include destinations such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Muscat.
Will there be non-scheduled flights available?
Yes, both airlines will operate non-scheduled flights to various destinations, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Are these flights authorized?
Yes, the flights are being operated with the necessary permissions from relevant authorities.
What is the reason behind the new fuel surcharges?
The fuel surcharges are being implemented due to the significant rise in jet fuel prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.
