Indian Airlines Adjust Operations to Maintain Middle East Connectivity
As of March 12, 2026, Indian airlines are actively modifying their flight schedules to ensure continued connectivity with West Asia, responding to the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Gulf that is impacting aviation networks and passenger movement. Major carriers have announced significant operational adjustments and additional flights to support travelers, particularly those journeying to or returning from the Middle East.
Air India Group Announces Extensive Flight Operations
The Air India group has revealed through its official X account that Air India and Air India Express will operate a total of 58 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from various destinations in the West Asia region on March 12, 2026. This includes one non-scheduled round-trip flight each to Riyadh on March 13, departing from Mumbai and Kozhikode respectively.
Scheduled connectivity to key regional hubs remains robust. The airlines will operate:
- 10 flights to and from Jeddah
- 8 scheduled flights to and from Muscat operated by Air India Express
Specific flight details include:
- Air India operating one round-trip from Delhi and two round-trips from Mumbai to Jeddah
- Air India Express operating one round-trip each from Bengaluru and Kozhikode to Jeddah
- Air India Express running scheduled services to Muscat with one round-trip each from Delhi and Mumbai and two round-trips from Kozhikode
Additional Non-Scheduled Flights and Passenger Support
Beyond these scheduled operations, the Air India group plans to operate 40 additional non-scheduled flights to and from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, contingent upon slot availability and conditions at departure airports. These flights are being conducted with necessary permissions from both Indian and local aviation authorities.
The airline group confirmed that all Air India flights to and from North America, Europe, Australia, and other regions continue as scheduled. To meet 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 affected by temporary suspensions of scheduled services have been offered flexible options:
- Rebooking travel for later dates without additional charges
- Opting for full refunds
The airline group is proactively contacting affected travelers through registered mobile numbers to provide rebooking assistance. Air India Express has also allowed passengers traveling from UAE stations to rebook without extra charges on additional commercial flights from any UAE station to Indian destinations. Travelers can manage bookings through the airline's AI-powered WhatsApp assistant, Tia.
IndiGo's Coordinated Response and Flight Operations
IndiGo, through its official X handle @IndiGo6E, stated that the airline continues to coordinate closely with relevant authorities to progressively restore flight operations across the Middle East. On March 12, 2026, IndiGo will operate flights to 9 destinations across the Middle East, along with select routes to Europe, subject to safety conditions and 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 airports. IndiGo teams are reaching out to affected customers to assist with alternate travel arrangements where necessary, helping travelers reconnect with loved ones and proceed with their plans.
This comprehensive response by Indian airlines demonstrates their commitment to maintaining vital air links during geopolitical uncertainties, ensuring passenger convenience through expanded operations and flexible travel policies.
