Travel Tips: How to Rebook Flights with Air India Express During West Asia Airspace Disruptions

Due to the continued airspace limitations in certain parts of West Asia, Air India and Air India Express have increased their operations to aid stranded travelers. On March 7, 2026, Air India Express branded 43 flights in the region, with further flights on the 8th to important points in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.

Scheduled Flights

Air India and Air India Express are maintaining their usual services from key Indian airports to major destinations in West Asia. This includes:

• Air India Operations:
  • Flights between Delhi and Mumbai to Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and Muscat (Oman) continue as scheduled.
• Air India Express Operations:
  • Scheduled flights between Muscat and cities like Kochi, Kozhikode, and Mangaluru, as well as flights from Jeddah to Bengaluru, Kozhikode, and Mangaluru, remain operational.

Additional Flights to Ease Travel Disruptions

Due to the ongoing airspace restrictions in other parts of the region, Air India and Air India Express have organized additional non-scheduled flights, approved by Indian and local authorities, to assist travelers who remain stranded.

• Air India: Additional flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Dubai are operating on March 8. Air India Express will also operate 30 extra flights between various Indian cities and UAE cities like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah.

Key Scheduled Flights on March 8

Below are the planned scheduled flights from March 8, 2026:

• Air India Express – Muscat (Oman):
  • Mumbai – Muscat – Mumbai (IX235 / IX236)
  • Delhi – Muscat – Delhi (IX163 / IX164)
  • Kochi – Muscat – Kochi (IX431 / IX432)
• Air India – Jeddah (Saudi Arabia):
  • Delhi – Jeddah – Delhi (AI2255 / AI2256)
  • Mumbai – Jeddah – Mumbai (AI2245 / AI2246)
• Air India Express – Jeddah (Saudi Arabia):
  • Kozhikode – Jeddah – Kozhikode (IX397 / IX398)
  • Mangaluru – Jeddah – Mangaluru (IX845/846)
  • Bengaluru – Jeddah – Bengaluru (IX941/942)

Non-Scheduled Flights for Stranded Passengers

The airlines have prioritized stranded passengers on non-scheduled flights:

• Air India Non-Scheduled Flights (UAE):
  • Delhi – Dubai – Delhi (AI4205 / AI4206)
  • Mumbai – Dubai – Delhi (AI4201 / AI4202)
• Air India Express Non-Scheduled Flights (UAE):
  • Mumbai – Dubai – Mumbai (IX2117 / IX2118)
  • Bengaluru – Dubai – Bengaluru (IX1115 / IX1116)

Additional flights to Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi are also operational, further assisting those stranded.

Flight Cancellations and Rebooking

Air India and Air India Express are providing rebooking options for passengers with canceled flights due to ongoing airspace restrictions. Here are the important updates:

• Air India Express Flights Canceled: Flights to and from Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh are canceled until March 13.
• Air India Flights Canceled: Scheduled flights to and from Dammam, Doha, and Riyadh are canceled until March 10.

Passengers affected by these cancellations can rebook flights for future travel dates at no additional charge. Full refunds are also available for those who wish to cancel their bookings.

How to Rebook or Cancel Your Flight

Passengers who have booked flights with Air India or Air India Express can manage their bookings via the official airline websites or customer support helplines:

• Air India: Visit the official website for rebooking options or contact customer support at +911169329333 or +911169329999.
• Air India Express: For rebooking or inquiries, contact the airline’s digital assistant Tia, available on WhatsApp at +91 63600 12345.

Additional Travel Guidance

• Rebooking Flexibility: Passengers traveling from the UAE can easily rebook their flights without additional charges on Air India Express’ additional commercial flights operating from any station in the UAE to various destinations in India.
• Mobile Notifications: Both airlines are proactively reaching out to affected passengers via registered mobile numbers. Ensure your contact details are updated with the airline to receive timely notifications.
• Alternative Routes for European and North American Flights: Air India’s services to Europe and North America have resumed as scheduled, with some flights taking alternative routes due to ongoing disruptions in the region.

Conclusion

Due to disruptions in airspace over some regions in West Asia, Air India and Air India Express are working to accommodate passengers that are stranded and trying to get home. The airlines are continuing to operate their scheduled services to principal destinations, and are adding additional flights when possible. Passengers are encouraged to check the updates from the official pages and contact the airlines to assist in rebooking.