Indian carriers have organized 58 flights on Wednesday to bring back passengers stuck in the Middle East due to ongoing conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. This initiative comes as most regional airspace remains closed or restricted. The Civil Aviation Ministry mentioned that IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express are planning 30 and 23 flights, respectively, while foreign carriers are also conducting limited operations between India and the Gulf region.
To navigate the restricted airspace, Indian carriers have adjusted their schedules, focusing on long-haul and ultra long-haul flights through alternative routes. Reports indicate that Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air will operate special flights from Gulf cities like Dubai and Fujairah, landing at various Indian airports including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and others. Travelers are advised not to head to Dubai airports without confirmed departure details from their airlines.
While Dubai airspace is partially open for a few commercial flights, Emirates and IndiGo are among the carriers operating limited services and providing updates on their websites. Etihad Airways stated that scheduled flights from Abu Dhabi are canceled until March 5, with some exceptions for essential flights coordinated with UAE authorities. The ministry emphasized passenger safety as the top priority and urged airlines to maintain clear communication with passengers regarding refunds, rescheduling, and assistance.
Foreign carriers operating in the India-Gulf sector are also running restricted services based on operational and airspace factors. The ministry is closely monitoring airfares to prevent any unjustified price hikes during this period, ensuring transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements.
