Flight Operations Disrupted in West Asia Amid Ongoing Conflict
Flight Services Affected by US-Israel-Iran Tensions
On March 8, flight operations across West Asia faced significant disruptions due to the escalating conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. Major aviation hubs, including Dubai, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, have experienced numerous cancellations since February 28. The Ministry of Civil Aviation in India reported that Indian airlines have initiated limited flight services to assist in evacuating stranded travelers. Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have outlined their flight schedules for Sunday (March 8) as they adapt to the ongoing situation. Additionally, leading Middle Eastern airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways have resumed limited operations for repatriation purposes. Air India confirmed that, with airspace over Saudi Arabia and Oman remaining accessible, they will continue their scheduled flights to and from Jeddah and Muscat.
Additional Flights by Air India and Air India Express
Extra Flights to Support Affected Passengers
In response to the airspace restrictions in West Asia, Air India and Air India Express have announced additional non-scheduled flights on March 8. The airlines stated, “Due to ongoing airspace limitations in various regions of West Asia, both carriers are operating extra non-scheduled flights on March 8, with the necessary approvals from Indian and local authorities.”
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These additional flights will connect Delhi and Dubai, as well as Mumbai and Dubai, along with Air India Express services linking various Indian cities with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Muscat. The airline emphasized that priority will be given to passengers with existing bookings. Furthermore, Air India Express announced that all scheduled flights to and from Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh will be canceled until March 13, while Air India’s flights to and from Dammam, Doha, and Riyadh will be suspended until March 10. Passengers affected by these cancellations can rebook without incurring additional fees or opt for a full refund.
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IndiGo's Flight Plans for March 8
IndiGo Resumes Services Amid Ongoing Conflict
IndiGo has also announced the resumption of its flight services to Europe and is operating from eight cities in West Asia amidst the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. The airline shared on X that it plans to restart its European operations on March 8, aiming to reconnect customers with key destinations in the region, while continuing flights to eight locations in the Middle East. Passengers are advised to verify their flight status due to the fluid nature of the situation, as schedules may change at short notice.
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SpiceJet has also introduced additional flights from Dubai and Fujairah to India for March 8, covering routes to Pune, Delhi, and Mumbai.
Flight Schedule for March 8
Comprehensive Flight List for March 8
- Air India Express: Mumbai–Muscat, Delhi–Muscat, Kochi–Muscat, Kozhikode–Muscat, Thiruvananthapuram–Muscat, Mumbai–Jeddah, Delhi–Jeddah, Bengaluru–Jeddah, and additional non-scheduled flights to Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Abu Dhabi.
- Air India: Additional non-scheduled flights between Mumbai–Dubai, Delhi–Dubai, Delhi–Jeddah, and Mumbai–Jeddah.
- IndiGo: Operations to Europe and the Middle East, including flights to Manchester, Amsterdam, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Jeddah, Medina, and Muscat.
- SpiceJet: Routes from Dubai/Fujairah to Pune, Delhi, and Mumbai.