Indian airlines Air India and IndiGo have announced special flights to and from several Middle Eastern destinations on Wednesday, March 11, as tensions escalate in West Asia.
The move comes as authorities monitor the ongoing confrontation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which has disrupted routine flight operations in the region.
India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation (India) said it is closely observing the evolving situation to ensure passenger safety and smooth airline operations.
Airlines Plan Expanded Operations
According to operational plans, the Air India Group will run 58 flights to and from West Asia, including additional services operated by Air India Express.
The airline group said it will operate 36 ad-hoc non-scheduled flights to and from the United Arab Emirates, depending on slot availability and operational conditions at departure airports. All flights are being conducted with necessary approvals from Indian and regional aviation authorities.
Key routes include flights connecting major Indian cities with destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
Flights to Jeddah and Muscat
Air India will operate one round-trip flight each from Delhi and Mumbai to Jeddah.
Meanwhile, Air India Express will run additional round-trip services from:
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Hyderabad to Jeddah
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Kozhikode to Jeddah
Scheduled services to Muscat will also continue, including flights from:
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Delhi
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Mumbai
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Kannur
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Thiruvananthapuram
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Tiruchirappalli
Additionally, two round-trip flights from Kochi to Muscat are scheduled.
IndiGo Expands Flights Across Eight Destinations
Low-cost carrier IndiGo confirmed that it will operate flights to eight destinations across the Middle East, along with select routes to Europe.
The airline said the updated schedule aims to maintain travel connectivity for passengers while responding to the dynamic situation in the region.
Government Monitoring Situation
The aviation ministry stated that Indian airlines are seeking operational flexibility to support passenger movement and potential evacuation efforts if required.
Data from the ministry shows that on March 9, Indian carriers operated 45 inbound flights from West Asia, carrying 7,047 passengers back to India.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has coordinated with aviation authorities to facilitate additional flight slots. It has also allowed airlines to use Muscat International Airport as an alternate stopover airport for flights traveling to or from several Middle Eastern destinations.
These destinations include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, Fujairah, Jeddah, and Medina.
Passenger Safety Remains Top Priority
Officials emphasized that passenger safety and continuity of services remain the government’s highest priorities. Authorities will continue coordinating with airlines and regional regulators as the situation in West Asia develops.
