Air India Group Operates 78 Flights To West Asia And Global Hubs Amid Regional Disruptions

India’s aviation sector saw a major push on March 13, with Air India and Air India Express operating 78 scheduled and non-scheduled flights. The services connect India with key destinations in West Asia and major global hubs.

The large-scale operations aim to keep travel links open for Indian travellers, workers and the diaspora as the regional situation in parts of the Middle East remains uncertain. The move also helps maintain tourism and labour travel between India and Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

Airline officials said the flights are coordinated with airport operators and local authorities to reduce disruptions and keep important routes running for pilgrims, business travellers and families travelling between India and the Gulf.

Strong Focus On Jeddah And Muscat Flights

A major part of the operations focuses on Jeddah and Muscat, two key gateways for Indian travellers.

The plan includes six flights to and from Jeddah and 12 scheduled flights by Air India Express between India and Muscat. These services ensure that travellers from several Indian cities continue to have access to West Asian destinations.

Air India operates one round-trip flight each from Delhi and Mumbai to Jeddah, while Air India Express operates a round-trip flight between Hyderabad and Jeddah. These routes provide multiple travel options for passengers heading to Saudi Arabia.

These flights are important for religious tourism, trade travel and visiting friends and relatives (VFR), which creates steady demand between India and Saudi Arabia.

Non-Scheduled Flights To Riyadh Add Extra Capacity

Along with scheduled flights, the airlines have added non-scheduled services to support passenger demand. 

Both airlines are operating one non-scheduled round-trip flight to Riyadh, departing from Mumbai and Kozhikode, respectively. These flights offer flexibility and can be scheduled based on passenger demand, slot availability, and operational conditions. 

Such services help airlines maintain connectivity when regional aviation conditions change.

Additional Flights Across The UAE And Gulf

Air India and Air India Express are also planning around 60 non-scheduled flights connecting India with destinations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. They will operate in accordance with airport slots and local conditions, subject to approvals from aviation authorities in India and the region.

The additional flights help maintain travel links between India and major Gulf hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. For many travellers, particularly migrant workers and families, these flights are important for keeping travel options open amid changing aviation conditions in West Asia.

Air India Global Flights Continue Normally

Despite the situation in parts of West Asia, Air India said its long-haul international flights continue to operate as scheduled. 

Flights between India and destinations in North America, Europe, Australia and other regions remain unaffected. The airline has also added services on some routes to support its global network and maintain inbound tourism to India.

Passengers affected by temporary route suspensions can rebook their travel at no extra cost or choose a full refund.

Air India Adds Extra Flights To The US And Europe

Along with its West Asia operations, Air India has announced 78 additional international flights across nine routes from March 10 to March 18, adding around 17,660 seats. These flights connect India with major global cities, including New York City, London, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam and Zurich. Southern routes include Malé and Colombo.

Where possible, these additional services operate daily, with schedules adjusted to maximise capacity. The airline is using aircraft such as Boeing 777s, Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A320neos, with Dreamliners helping manage longer routes that avoid sensitive airspace.

Strengthening India-Gulf Aviation Connectivity

By continuing services to Jeddah, Muscat, Riyadh and major UAE cities, Air India and Air India Express help maintain India’s important air links with the Gulf. These routes support labour travel, religious tourism, leisure trips and global connections.

For cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kozhikode and Kannur, the availability of several daily flights to Jeddah and Muscat allows travellers to continue planned pilgrimages, business trips or family visits.

Experts also believe that these temporary measures could help airlines expand capacity on these routes in the future, strengthening India’s aviation links with West Asia and global destinations.

(With inputs from various sources.)

FAQs

1. Why is Air India operating 78 flights to West Asia? 
Air India and Air India Express deployed 78 flights to maintain travel connectivity between India and key West Asian destinations amid regional aviation disruptions. 

2. Which destinations are included in Air India’s additional flights? 
The flights connect India with major Gulf destinations such as Jeddah, Muscat, Riyadh and cities in the United Arab Emirates, along with global hubs in Europe and North America. 

3. Are Air India’s international flights affected by the Middle East situation? 
Most long-haul international flights to destinations in North America, Europe and Australia are operating normally, with some routes adjusted to avoid sensitive airspace. 

4. What types of flights are included in the 78 Air India operations? 
The operations include both scheduled and non-scheduled flights run by Air India and Air India Express to support passenger demand and maintain regional connectivity. 

5. Who benefits most from these additional flights? 
The additional services mainly support migrant workers, pilgrims, business travellers and families travelling between India and Gulf countries.