How Indian Airlines Are Responding to the Middle East Crisis: Special Flights Announced

Special Relief Flights for Stranded Passengers

New Delhi: In response to the escalating conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, domestic airlines are set to launch special relief flights from the Middle East on Tuesday to assist passengers stranded in the region.

IndiGo has announced it will operate ten special flights from Jeddah back to India on Tuesday, as confirmed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

SpiceJet has also stepped in, planning to run four special flights from the UAE on March 3 to help Indian nationals who are stuck due to the abrupt closure of airspace.

These flights will connect Fujairah to three major Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, and Kochi, with two flights specifically designated for Mumbai to expedite the return of passengers.

Moreover, SpiceJet will resume its regular flights between Fujairah and Delhi, as well as between Fujairah and Mumbai starting March 4, aiming to restore normal connectivity between the UAE and India.

On Monday, approximately 357 flights were canceled, but operations began to gradually resume by the evening, allowing stranded Indian aircraft to return.

As the situation in the Middle East evolves, the government is maintaining ongoing coordination with airlines, airport operators, regulatory bodies, and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure safe operations and the orderly restoration of services for affected passengers.

Indian airlines are making necessary adjustments to their flight schedules, progressively resuming long-haul and ultra-long-haul operations via alternative routes that bypass restricted airspace. The Civil Aviation Ministry has indicated that measures for repositioning aircraft and crew are being implemented to restore operational stability as quickly as possible.

Additionally, special arrangements are being established to assist stranded passengers, with airlines increasing capacity as needed and working closely with foreign aviation authorities and Indian missions abroad to ensure safe and orderly passenger movement.

Foreign airlines operating between India and the Gulf region are also conducting limited flights, contingent on operational and airspace conditions. The government emphasizes that passenger safety is the top priority.