Partial Resumption of Flights by Indian Airlines to the Middle East
Synopsis
As tensions rise due to the ongoing US-Israel and Iran conflict, Indian airlines are cautiously restarting limited flights to and from the Middle East. With thousands of services still grounded, passengers are advised to stay informed and follow guidelines.
Key Takeaways
Indian airlines are cautiously resuming limited flights to the Middle East.
Significant cancellations are still in effect due to airspace restrictions.
Passengers should wait for direct communication from airlines before heading to airports.
The government is monitoring ticket prices to prevent surges.
Travelers with specific bookings may rebook without extra charges.
New Delhi, March 6 (NationPress) Domestic airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet have commenced a phased resumption of limited flight services to and from the Middle East as of Friday, despite thousands of flights being cancelled due to ongoing airspace restrictions linked to the US-Israel and Iran conflict.
IndiGo announced it will operate 17 departures (34 sectors) on Friday to eight destinations in the Middle East and is collaborating with government officials to ensure safe service resumption.
Air India and Air India Express confirmed the restart of flights to and from Jeddah and Muscat after it was verified that the airspaces of Saudi Arabia and Oman are open, according to various reports.
SpiceJet stated it will conduct special flights from the United Arab Emirates to India on March 6 and 7, with additional services on March 8 to facilitate passenger transit amid the ongoing conflict.
Passengers with bookings on IndiGo flights will be contacted directly, and they should only head to the airports after receiving communication.
Air India also mentioned it would operate ad-hoc repatriation flights from hubs including Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah on March 6, pending regulatory approvals.
The airline stated that scheduled flights to other West Asia locations are suspended until March 10, and travelers with tickets issued before March 4 for flights between February 28 and March 8 can rebook within a month without incurring extra charges or fare differences.
Industry data reveals that traffic at Dubai International Airport nearly doubled on Thursday compared to the prior day, reaching 25 percent of normal operational levels.
From February 28 to March 5, over 44,000 flights were planned in and out of the Middle East, but over 25,000 have been cancelled so far.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation had previously announced its coordination with airlines and other agencies, activating a Passenger Assistance Control Room to aid stranded travelers.
The Ministry is in ongoing communication with airlines and is closely monitoring airfare to prevent any unjustified spikes in ticket prices during this timeframe, as stated.
aar/na
Point of View
The cautious resumption of flight operations by Indian airlines to the Middle East signifies a necessary step towards normalcy amid ongoing conflicts. However, the situation remains fluid, and stakeholders must prioritize passenger safety and regulatory compliance.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines are resuming flights to the Middle East?
Domestic airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet are gradually resuming limited flight operations to the Middle East.
What destinations are included in the resumed flights?
Resumed flights include destinations like Jeddah, Muscat, and various cities in the UAE.
Are there any cancellations or delays expected?
Yes, thousands of flights remain cancelled due to ongoing airspace restrictions associated with the US-Israel and Iran conflict.
What should passengers do if their flights are affected?
Passengers should await direct communication from their airlines regarding flight changes and rebooking options.
How is the government supporting stranded travelers?
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has activated a Passenger Assistance Control Room to assist stranded travelers.
