Resuming Operations
In response to evolving regional dynamics, major carriers are bolstering their flight schedules to key Middle Eastern destinations. This strategic expansion
aims to facilitate travel and restore connectivity following airspace reopenings. Specifically, flights to Saudi Arabia and Oman are being prioritized, demonstrating a commitment to serving these vital routes. The airlines are operating both their regular scheduled services and additional, non-scheduled flights to ensure maximum reach and flexibility for passengers. This proactive approach is designed to meet passenger demand while adhering to safety and regulatory guidelines in the current climate.
Scheduled Services Detail
On March 8, 2026, a comprehensive list of scheduled flights will be operational. In Oman, flights will connect Muscat with several Indian cities. Air India Express is slated to run seven routes to Muscat, including services from Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Thiruvananthapuram. For Saudi Arabia, Jeddah will be served by both Air India and Air India Express. Air India will offer flights between Delhi and Jeddah, as well as Mumbai and Jeddah. Air India Express will operate services from Kozhikode, Mangaluru, and Bengaluru to Jeddah. These scheduled operations are subject to necessary regulatory approvals, and travelers are strongly advised to confirm the latest updates directly with the airlines.
Additional Flights Announced
Beyond scheduled services, a significant number of additional, non-scheduled flights are being introduced, particularly to United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman. These flights are primarily intended for travelers who may have been impacted by previous disruptions, with priority given to those holding existing bookings. The UAE will see extensive connectivity with 15 routes across four airports: Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Air India and Air India Express will jointly operate numerous flights to Dubai from cities like Mumbai and Delhi. Similarly, Air India Express will offer multiple services to Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah from various Indian cities, including Mumbai and Bengaluru. Two additional routes will also connect Muscat in Oman with Mumbai and Delhi.
Navigating Cancellations
While operations are expanding to some regions, certain routes remain affected by cancellations. Air India Express has cancelled all scheduled flights to and from Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh until March 13. Likewise, Air India has cancelled its scheduled flights to and from Dammam, Doha, and Riyadh until March 10. Passengers booked on these cancelled flights are provided with flexible options. They can either rebook their travel for a future date without any additional charges or opt for a complete refund. Specific instructions and contact details are available on the airlines' respective websites and through their 24/7 customer support hotlines.
