New Delhi: Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Air India and Air Indian Express will operate as many as 60 flights to and from Middle East cities. These include 32 non-scheduled services connecting UAE.
Conflicts have increased in the region since the joint operation conducted by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28, leading to the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, other leaders and senior military officials. The operation lead to counter offensive by Iran, which have not only targeted US and Israeli military bases, but also hit several parts of other countries in the region as well since last few days.
Air India, Air India Express to operate 32 ad hoc non-scheduled flights
As per officials, both Air India and Air India Express will operate 14 flights to and from Jeddah on Tuesday. Air India Express will also operate 14 services to and from Muscat.
“In addition to the scheduled services, Air India and Air India Express would operate a total of 32 ad hoc non-scheduled flights between Indian cities and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 10 March 2026, subject to the availability of slots and other conditions prevailing at the respective point of departure at the time,” the statement said on Monday.
Akasa Air to operate flights to /from Jeddah
Sharing further details, officials said that these 32 flights will connect to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al-Khaimah and Sharjah from different parts of India. Akasa Air will also operate flights to/from Jeddah and Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kochi, and Kozhikode until March 31.
“Flights to and from Abu Dhabi and Riyadh remain suspended until March 11, 2026. Additionally, flights from Doha and Kuwait remain suspended until March 15, 2026,” the airline said in a statement. Issuing a statement, IndiGo said that has operated over 165 flights, flown over 22,000 flyers to and from the Middle East in last five days.