Air India and Air India Express Add Extra Flights for UAE and Gulf to Repatriate Stranded Passengers Amid Middle East Airspace Disruptions

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March 8, 2026 2:45 PM

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India’s national carrier Air India and its low‑cost unit Air India Express have increased flight operations from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other Gulf countries to help passengers affected by the ongoing Middle East airspace disruptions return home. The move, coordinated through the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and supported by India’s civil aviation regulator, reflects official efforts to support travellers stranded by cancelled schedules and closed air routes in parts of West Asia.

These additional services operate alongside other relief and repatriation flights by Indian carriers, aiming to restore connectivity where airspace and safety conditions permit, while ensuring passengers receive official guidance and support throughout their journey.

Why Extra Flights Were Needed: Gulf Airspace Disruptions Affect Travel

Airspace over several Gulf nations — including parts of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait — remains volatile as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and related closures by civil aviation authorities. Many commercial flights to and from the region have been cancelled or suspended due to safety concerns and restricted access.

In response, India’s aviation authorities have advised passengers to track their flight status via official airline and regulator portals and stay informed about evolving conditions. Meanwhile, carriers like Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo have been adjusting schedules to prioritise repatriation and support operations.

Official Coordination and Civil Aviation Ministry Role

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has been actively monitoring the situation and issuing guidance to Indian carriers to help navigate airspace restrictions and optimise resources. In official communications, the ministry said Indian airlines will run a series of 58 special and scheduled flights on selected dates between India and Gulf destinations to assist passengers currently affected.

These flights represent a coordinated operational response aimed at mitigating the disruption’s impact on travellers while aligning with safety and regulatory requirements. MoCA also keeps continuous contact with airport authorities, airline management teams and foreign civil aviation agencies to ensure operational feasibility and passenger safety.

Extra Flights Connect Key Gulf Hubs to Indian Cities

According to official carrier notices and MoCA coordination plans, Air India and Air India Express are operating additional services connecting major Gulf cities with Indian destinations. These include:

• Flights between Dubai (DXB) and Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru
  
• Services from Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and Muscat (Oman) to major Indian hubs
  
• Other repatriation flights from Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah to cities in India
  

Priority seating on these flights goes to passengers who hold existing confirmed bookings, especially those stranded due to cancelled services and extended airspace closures.

Passenger Support and Airline Flexibility

Air India and Air India Express have issued official customer support advisories outlining options for passengers affected by the disruptions. Travellers with bookings impacted by cancellations have been offered rebooking without additional charges, or full refunds when necessary, as part of the carriers’ commitment to passenger welfare amidst the challenge.

Officials have also emphasised that travellers should rely only on official airline channels and government advisories for the most accurate and updated flight and safety information, rather than third‑party or unverified sources.

India’s aviation regulators continue to maintain 24×7 passenger assistance systems, including helplines and digital platforms that help resolve grievances, provide status updates and offer guidance to those navigating travel changes. These mechanisms help maintain structured support during periods of widespread disruption.

Impact on Wider Indian and Gulf Travel Networks

The extra flights are part of a larger operational shift that airlines are making as restrictions on Gulf airspace continue. Official data from MoCA notes that over 1,200 Indian‑operated flights and hundreds more by foreign carriers have been cancelled due to the evolving situation, highlighting the scale of the disruption.

These cancellations have affected not only passengers between India and the Gulf but also broader international connections, as major Middle Eastern hubs historically serve as transit points for long‑haul routes linking Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. The temporary loss of these corridors has forced airlines to adjust scheduling, seek alternative flight paths and prioritise critical repatriation services.

Traveler Guidance Amid Ongoing Uncertainty

In official advisories, India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation urges passengers travelling to or from the Gulf region during this period of disruption to:

1. Check Flight Status with Airlines: Use official airline websites or mobile apps for real‑time updates on departures, arrivals and schedule changes.
   
2. Follow Official Government Advice: Refer to MoCA and civil aviation regulator notices for safety alerts and updated route information.
   
3. Use Passenger Support Tools: Access helplines, digital grievance platforms and customer service points at airports.
   
4. Plan for Changes: Allow for potential delays, rebooking needs and alternate routing when planning travel during ongoing restrictions.
   

These steps help minimise travel stress and ensure that passengers remain informed and supported throughout their journey.

Conclusion: Official Efforts Strengthen Connectivity Amid Disruptions

The addition of extra flights by Air India and Air India Express from the UAE and other Gulf nations underscores official efforts to mitigate the impact of Middle East airspace disruptions on Indian travellers. Coordinated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, these additional services improve access for passengers stranded abroad and reflect the structured response of airlines and aviation regulators to evolving airspace challenges.

As safety conditions continue to evolve, India’s aviation authorities and carriers remain committed to supporting travel continuity, protecting passengers and restoring normal connectivity through official channels and coordinated scheduling adjustments.

Image Credit: Air India