As of March 12, 2026, Indian airlines are continuing to adjust their operations to maintain connectivity with West Asia as the evolving geopolitical situation in the Gulf affects aviation networks and passenger movement.
Major carriers have announced additional flights and operational adjustments to support travellers, particularly those heading to or returning from the Middle East.Air India group and IndiGo expand and restore Middle East operationsThe Air India group’s official handle on X announced, “Air India and Air India Express will operate a total of 58 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from different destinations in the West Asia region on 12 March 2026.”
Israel-Iran War: AirIndia, IndiGo, Global Carriers Suspend Flights Amid West Asia Airspace Closures
As part of these operations, both airlines will operate one non-scheduled round-trip flight each to Riyadh on March 13, with departures planned from Mumbai and Kozhikode respectively.Scheduled connectivity to major regional hubs will also continue. The airlines will operate a total of 10 flights to and from Jeddah, while eight scheduled flights to and from Muscat will be run by Air India Express.Air India will operate one round-trip service from Delhi and two round-trips from Mumbai to Jeddah.
Meanwhile, Air India Express will operate one round-trip each from Bengaluru and Kozhikode to Jeddah.For Oman operations, Air India Express will run its scheduled services to Muscat, including one round-trip each from Delhi and Mumbai and two round-trips from Kozhikode.In addition to these services, the Air India group plans to operate 40 additional non-scheduled flights to and from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, depending on slot availability and prevailing conditions at departure airports.
The airline group said these flights are being operated with the necessary permissions from Indian and local aviation authorities.The airline also confirmed that all Air India flights to and from North America, Europe, Australia and other regions are continuing as scheduled. To support passenger demand, the carrier has already announced 78 additional flights between March 10 and March 18, 2026 on routes connecting India with Europe, the United States, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.Passengers booked on routes where scheduled services remain temporarily suspended have been given the option to rebook their travel for a later date without additional charges or opt for a full refund. The airline group said it is proactively contacting affected travellers through the mobile numbers registered with their bookings to provide rebooking options.Air India Express has also allowed passengers travelling from stations in the United Arab Emirates to rebook without additional charges on the airline’s additional commercial flights operating from any UAE station to destinations across India.
Travellers can also manage their bookings through the airline’s AI-powered WhatsApp assistant Tia.Meanwhile, IndiGo on their official handle on X @IndiGo6E said, “IndiGo continues to coordinate closely with the relevant authorities to progressively restore its flight operations across the Middle East, helping customers reconnect with their loved ones and proceed with their travel plans. On 12 March 2026, IndiGo will operate flights to 9 destinations across the Middle East, along with select routes to Europe, subject to prevailing safety conditions and necessary regulatory approvals.
”The airline cautioned that flight schedules could change at short notice and advised passengers to check the latest flight status before heading to the airport. IndiGo said its teams are also reaching out to affected customers to assist with alternate travel arrangements wherever required.
