Major Aviation Update: Air India Group Rolls Out Special Flights To Restore India-Gulf Travel

Updated: March 08, 2026 11:44

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Air India Group has announced a major operational update on 07 March 2026, introducing additional flights and adjusting schedules to support passengers affected by West Asia airspace disruptions. The move includes nearly 50 special flights across key Gulf destinations, while some routes remain temporarily suspended due to ongoing regional tensions.

The Air India Group has issued an important operational update on 07 March 2026 as aviation disruptions continue across parts of West Asia due to regional tensions and airspace restrictions. To assist stranded passengers and maintain connectivity, Air India and Air India Express have introduced a large number of additional flights connecting India with key Gulf destinations.

With airspace over Saudi Arabia and Oman reopening, the airline group has resumed and continued scheduled operations to cities such as Jeddah and Muscat. However, airspace restrictions across other parts of the Middle East continue to impact regular flight schedules, forcing airlines to adjust their operations and deploy special services for affected travelers.

In response to the ongoing situation, the Tata Group–owned airline network has scheduled nearly 50 flights connecting major Indian cities with Gulf hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Jeddah, and Muscat. These services aim primarily to facilitate travel for passengers who were stranded due to sudden flight suspensions and route disruptions.

Priority for these additional flights is being given to travelers who already hold bookings with Air India or Air India Express on previously cancelled routes. Authorities from India and the destination countries have granted the necessary approvals to operate these special flights.

Key Highlights

Air India and Air India Express are operating around 50 special flights between India and key Gulf destinations to assist stranded passengers
Additional non-scheduled flights are connecting cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Jeddah, and Muscat with major Indian hubs
Airspace over Saudi Arabia and Oman has reopened, allowing scheduled services to resume on certain routes
Several routes to Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh remain temporarily suspended due to continuing airspace restrictions
Passengers booked on cancelled flights are being offered free rescheduling options or full refunds
Special flights are being prioritized for travelers with existing bookings who were affected by sudden operational disruptions
The airline group continues to monitor the situation closely and will adjust flight schedules depending on regional safety advisories and regulatory approvals
This update highlights Air India Group’s ongoing operational response strategy to maintain connectivity and support passengers during the evolving aviation disruptions in West Asia.

Sources: Air India Official Press Release, Reuters, The Economic Times, Times of India.

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