Air travel between India and West Asia is slowly finding its feet again, but not without turbulence. Airlines are running fewer routes right now, tweaking their schedules almost every day, and urging passengers to stay alert as conditions on the ground keep changing.
Indian carriers have stepped away from fixed timetables, instead operating a limited number of flights, often on an ad hoc basis, to key West Asian destinations. Air India and its low-cost arm have replaced several regular services with special flights, depending on airspace access and airport conditions.
On April 4, the Air India group operated about 42 such ad hoc flights connecting India with parts of West Asia, including the UAE.
A day later, operations remained restricted. Indian carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, planned around 32 flights between India and West Asia as airports like Dubai stayed open but under tight operational constraints.
Earlier in the week, flight numbers fluctuated even more. On April 1, the Air India group scheduled about 30 flights, highlighting how airlines are adjusting capacity almost daily.
Select Routes Hold Steady
Even with the disruptions, IndiGo has managed to keep parts of its Gulf network running, especially on routes where airspace access has remained relatively stable.
On the whole, the airline says some services are slowly edging back towards normal. Its West Asia network currently includes up to 252 weekly flights across key markets, with 98 flights to the UAE, 126 to Saudi Arabia, and 28 to Oman.
Routes such as Delhi to Dubai, Mumbai to Abu Dhabi, and connections to Jeddah and Riyadh continue to operate, though not always at full frequency. These flights are subject to last-minute changes, and IndiGo has asked passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport.
Relief and special flights also remain part of the mix. Earlier in March, IndiGo deployed additional services from cities like Jeddah to bring stranded passengers home, a pattern that continues whenever disruptions intensify.
Things To Keep In Mind Before You Travel
With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, parts of the region still have restricted or temporarily closed airspace. Safety conditions can shift quickly, and with heightened military activity across West Asia, airlines are taking extra precautions. That often means rerouting flights or scaling back services until things settle.
Airlines across the world are dealing with the same challenges on Gulf routes. Kuwait Airways, for example, has tightened rules on flights to Saudi Arabia and Qatar and extended suspensions on routes to cities like Riyadh and Doha.
Air India is offering fliers a free cancellation option, refunds for the cost of a flight, and long-term waivers.
If your travel is interrupted, remain calm and keep track of any changes to your reservation. Check your airline's website or call their customer service so that you have the most recent information regarding your flight (especially when flying to or from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, or Jeddah) and be prepared to make alternative arrangements for your travel should any part of your itinerary change or be cancelled.
The current circumstances are still evolving, and flight schedules will be changing from one day to the next. You can fly to these locations as long as you comply with the airline's travel restrictions. However, with limited services, you will need to take additional precautions and be flexible with your travel plans.
(With inputs from various sources)
FAQs
1. Why are Air India and IndiGo reducing West Asia flights?
Ongoing tensions and airspace restrictions in the Middle East have forced airlines to cut routes and operate limited, flexible schedules.
2. Are flights between India and the UAE still running?
Yes, but at reduced frequency. Routes like Delhi–Dubai and Mumbai–Abu Dhabi are operating with possible last-minute changes.
3. What does “ad hoc flights” mean?
These are special flights scheduled based on demand and conditions, rather than fixed daily timetables.
4. Can passengers get refunds or cancellations?
Yes, airlines like Air India are offering free cancellations, refunds, and flexible rebooking options.
5. What should travellers do before flying to West Asia?
Always check flight status, stay updated on airline advisories, and be prepared for delays, reroutes, or sudden cancellations.
