Air India Group Announces 42 Special Flights to West Asia on April 4, 2026
In a significant operational update, Air India and Air India Express have revealed plans to operate a total of 42 flights to and from West Asia on April 4, 2026. This initiative is part of broader measures to maintain connectivity during a period of disruption affecting scheduled flights on certain regional routes.
UAE Routes See Major Adjustments with Non-Scheduled Services
According to a press release issued on April 3, 2026, the majority of these services—26 in number—will consist of non-scheduled flights linking India and the United Arab Emirates. These operations are contingent upon slot availability and favorable operating conditions for flight departures.
Despite several cities transitioning from scheduled to special flights, the UAE remains a priority in the new flight schedule. Key destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah will have only ad-hoc flights operating throughout the day, with no scheduled services available.
Air India flights will include special services for the Delhi-Dubai route, while Air India Express will operate special flights between Delhi and Abu Dhabi. Ras Al Khaimah will be connected to India through multiple cities, including Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangalore, and Mumbai. Similarly, Sharjah will maintain links to India via Kochi, Kozhikode, and Lucknow, among others.
In contrast, flights to Al Ain will be suspended, despite previous operations from Amritsar, Kannur, and Tiruchirappalli.
Limited Scheduled Operations in Other West Asian Countries
Outside the UAE, flight operations appear stable but remain quite limited. Selected destinations like Muscat in Oman will continue to see scheduled flights from Air India Express, operating from Delhi and Mumbai.
For Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, flight operations will be maintained, ensuring connectivity to these important hubs. However, other destinations such as Salalah, Dammam, Bahrain, Doha, Kuwait, and Tel Aviv will have no scheduled flight operations for the day.
Continued Operation of Long-Haul Flights
Despite the adjustments in West Asia operations, all long-haul flights to destinations across Europe, North America, Australia, and other parts of the world will continue without any disruption to the flight schedule plans.
Passenger Support Measures Announced
In light of the temporary suspension of flights on certain routes, the Air India Group has implemented several passenger-centric measures. Travelers affected by cancellations or changes can modify their tickets for future travel dates without incurring extra fees or opt for a full refund of the amount paid.
Passengers are advised to book or cancel tickets through the airline's official website. Additionally, the airlines are proactively contacting travelers whose plans have been altered via mobile numbers, urging them to update their details promptly.
Air India Express travelers can also seek assistance from the airline's digital assistant, Tia, available on WhatsApp. Tia provides guidance on changing booking dates or exploring alternative travel plans.
