Flight Operations Disrupted in West Asia Amid Ongoing Conflict
Flight Operations Severely Affected
Flight services in West Asia are facing significant disruptions due to the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Since February 28, major aviation hubs have reported numerous cancellations and airspace restrictions. Key airports in Dubai, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar are experiencing extensive flight interruptions as airlines navigate the restricted airspace in the Gulf and parts of the Middle East. In response, Indian airlines are scheduled to operate approximately 50 flights on Monday (March 9) to assist passengers affected by these disruptions, as stated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Airlines Resume Limited Operations
Limited Flight Services Resume - AirIndia, IndiGo Announce Special Flights
Despite the ongoing disruptions, several major airlines, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways, have resumed limited operations, primarily focusing on repatriation flights and essential routes. Indian airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet have also restarted select services connecting India with major airports in the Middle East, including Dubai International Airport, Jeddah, and Fujairah. Air India and Air India Express plan to operate 24 scheduled flights to Jeddah and Muscat on Monday. Additionally, they are preparing to run 32 ad-hoc flights from various cities in the UAE, contingent on slot availability and regulatory approvals.
Additional Flights Planned
Air India has announced plans for 78 extra flights across nine international routes from March 10 to March 18 to accommodate passengers affected by the regional situation. SpiceJet is also expected to operate at least three flights from Dubai and Fujairah to India on Monday. While other domestic airlines have yet to finalize their schedules, the government anticipates that Indian carriers will operate around 50 flights in total on Monday to manage travel disruptions and assist stranded passengers.
Return of Indian Nationals
Over 52,000 Indians Return Home
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, over 52,000 Indian nationals returned to India between March 1 and March 7 amid the airspace closures in the Gulf region. Out of these, 32,107 passengers were repatriated by Indian carriers, while the remainder returned via foreign airlines or alternative routes. On March 7 alone, 51 inbound flights operated by Indian carriers brought 8,175 passengers back to India, as reported by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The ministry is planning additional flights in the coming days to facilitate the safe return of more Indian nationals who were in transit or on short-term visits in Middle Eastern countries.
Flight Cancellations and Passenger Advisory
Hundreds of Flights Cancelled
As of March 8, the Ministry of Civil Aviation reported that 279 flights scheduled by Indian domestic airlines had been cancelled due to the evolving situation in West Asia. Passengers are advised to stay updated on flight information and maintain communication with their airlines regarding schedules and rebooking options.
Charter Flights for Urgent Evacuations
Charter Flights and Assistance for Stranded Travellers
Travel platform EaseMyTrip has announced plans to operate charter flights from Doha and Bahrain to Delhi and Mumbai to assist Indian travellers in urgent need of evacuation. Additionally, Indian missions in several West Asian countries are working with local authorities and airlines to track stranded citizens and facilitate their return. Officials have indicated that repatriation efforts will continue in the coming days, depending on airspace conditions and security assessments in the region.