What is the story about?
The ongoing Iran war, which began after joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Tehran on February 28, has disrupted global air travel, with airlines
suspending flights, rerouting aircraft and adjusting schedules as large parts of the Middle East airspace remain restricted or closed. Passengers travelling to or from the Gulf region are facing delays, cancellations and longer flight durations as carriers take alternate routes to avoid conflict zones. A Dubai-Delhi flight carrying around 80 Indian students evacuated from war-hit Iran has been delayed after a drone attack disrupted flight operations in Dubai. In a relief to the passengers, Indian airlines - Air India and Air India Express are scheduled to operate 48 flights connecting Middle East cities on Monday, March 16. Stay tuned for latest updates.
Akasa Air continues Jeddah flights from Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kochi, Kozhikode
The carrier also announced that it will begin operating flights between Riyadh and Mumbai starting March 18.
Air India's Inaugural Flight Lands at Guwahati Airport’s New Terminal
Air India's inaugural flight AI 879 landed at Guwahati Airport’s new terminal earlier today. This marks another step in strengthening connectivity across the Northeast.
Gradual Resumption of Operations From Dubai International Airport
Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf) at the Ministry of External Affairs, said, “An update on the status of flights and airspace. As per information put out by the UAE authorities, there is a gradual resumption of operations from Dubai International Airport that were temporarily suspended this morning from passengers safety perspective. Indian and UAE carriers also continue to operate limited flights from other airports like Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. As per available information, more than 45 flights are planned for various destinations in India today
Emirates Expects to Operate Limited Flights, Airline Says
In an update shared on X, the airline said, "Emirates expects to operate a limited schedule after 10:00hrs Dubai local time today. Unfortunately, some flights from today’s schedule have been cancelled. Affected customers will receive a cancellation notice and will be advised on reaccommodation options." The airline had suspended all flights to and from Dubai.
Armenia-Delhi Flight Carrying 80 Indians Delayed
The connecting flight from Armenia to Dubai to Delhi, carrying around 80 Indian students stranded in war-torn Iran, has been delayed. The flight completed its first leg and reached Dubai, but the onward journey of flight Flyydubai FZ441 to Delhi has been delayed due to drone attack in Dubai, which has disrupted flight operations.The aircraft is currently in Dubai and has not yet departed for Delhi. The flight was earlier scheduled to arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, at 9:55 AM this morning.
AI, AI Express to Operate 48 Flights on Monday
Air India and Air India Express will operate 48 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the Middle East on Monday. The two airlines will have their scheduled operations to Jeddah and Muscat, including a total of 10 flights between Indian cities and Jeddah.
Air India will operate one return service each from Delhi and Mumbai, while Air India Express will operate one flight each from Bengaluru, Kozhikode and Mangalore.
Also, Air India Express will operate 12 scheduled flights to and from Muscat, with one service each from Delhi, Kannur, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram and two services from Kochi, Air India said in the release.
IndiGo Says Issue With Dubai Flights
Earlier in the day, IndiGo said flight operations in Dubai have been further restricted, due to which some of its scheduled services between March 15 and 17 have been affected.
Operations Suspended at Dubai Airport
Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announces the temporary suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff. Travellers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights. Further updates will be announced through official channels as soon as they become available.
(Follow for latest updates)
