Air travel between India and the Gulf region is gradually resuming in light of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. Major airlines such as Air India and IndiGo have scheduled a limited number of flights on March 7. However, many carriers, including Qatar Airways, have opted to suspend operations due to safety concerns stemming from the crisis.

The disruption in air travel arose after several countries in West Asia closed their airspace, leading to mass flight cancellations and stranded travellers. Airports in key hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have partially reopened their operations, allowing airlines to restart select flights aimed at evacuating passengers and providing essential connectivity.

Air India Group to Operate Around 50 Flights

Air India, along with Air India Express, plans to operate around 50 flights on March 7, connecting India to six destinations: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Jeddah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah. This service includes both regular and additional flights made possible after parts of the airspace over Saudi Arabia and Oman reopened, facilitating a partial resumption of operations.

The flights will provide connectivity from various Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, and Thiruvananthapuram. The extra flights aim to assist passengers who remain stranded in the region due to ongoing hostilities.

The airline emphasized that the additional flights are organized with the requisite clearances from both Indian authorities and local regulatory bodies to ensure passenger safety.

IndiGo Also Announces Limited Flights

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has announced a limited restart of its Middle East flights, offering services to five destinations in the region on March 7. The airline expressed understanding of the ongoing challenges faced by many travellers attempting to reach their destinations and is implementing a restricted schedule while closely monitoring the evolving situation.

However, the extent of the disruption remains significant, as IndiGo has had to cancel 144 planned international flights on the same day due to airspace constraints affecting operations throughout the region.

Other Airlines Maintain Suspension of Services

Not all airlines have reinstated their operations. Qatar Airways has temporarily halted scheduled flights until Qatari airspace reopens. The wider aviation sector is navigating the challenges imposed by the conflict, leading to continual adjustments in flight schedules as safety assessments develop.

The situation has triggered thousands of flight cancellations worldwide since the crisis began, compelling airlines to adjust routes and limit operational capacities in the Middle East.

As conditions continue to evolve, airlines recommend that passengers travelling on routes between India and the Middle East verify their flight statuses directly with carriers before proceeding to airports, as schedules remain dynamic and can change with little notice.

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