Aviation – Air India Maintains Limited West Asia Flights Amid Route Disruptions
Aviation – Air India and its low-cost subsidiary Air India Express will operate a combined total of 30 flights connecting India with West Asia on Monday, March 23, 2026. The airline group confirmed that while services continue on select routes, several destinations remain temporarily suspended due to ongoing operational constraints.
Limited Operations Continue on Key Routes
According to an official update shared on social media, both airlines are maintaining essential connectivity with certain West Asian cities. Among the active routes, Jeddah remains a key destination, with a total of 10 flights scheduled between India and the Saudi Arabian city.
Air India will run return services from Delhi and Mumbai, while Air India Express will handle additional connections from Bengaluru, Kozhikode, and Mangaluru. These routes are expected to cater to both regular passengers and those with urgent travel requirements.
Additional Services to Muscat and Riyadh
Beyond Jeddah, Air India Express has planned a limited number of scheduled flights to other major destinations in the region. The airline will operate four flights to and from Muscat, linking the Omani capital with Delhi and Mumbai.
Similarly, four flights have been scheduled between India and Riyadh, with departures from Bengaluru and Kozhikode. These services are part of the airline’s effort to maintain essential travel links while managing capacity constraints.
Special Flights to UAE and Saudi Arabia
In addition to regular schedules, the airline group will also operate 12 non-scheduled or ad hoc flights to destinations in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. These additional services are subject to slot approvals and operational feasibility.
Flights under this category will connect Indian cities with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Air India will manage services between Delhi and Dubai, while Air India Express will operate flights linking Delhi and Mumbai with Abu Dhabi, as well as Mangaluru with Sharjah.
Several Destinations Remain Suspended
Despite these efforts, multiple routes across the region remain temporarily unavailable. The airline has confirmed that there will be no flights, either scheduled or special, to Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain in the UAE, Salalah in Oman, and Dammam in Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, services to Bahrain, Doha, Kuwait, and Tel Aviv are currently not operating. The suspension of these routes reflects ongoing logistical and operational challenges affecting the broader region.
Global Operations Continue Without Disruption
While West Asia routes face limitations, Air India clarified that its international operations to other parts of the world remain unaffected. Flights to North America, Europe, Australia, and other global destinations are continuing as per their original schedules.
This ensures that long-haul travelers and international passengers do not experience disruptions outside the affected region.
Passenger Support and Flexible Options
To assist travelers impacted by the temporary changes, the airline has introduced flexible options. Passengers holding tickets on suspended routes can either reschedule their journey without additional charges or request a full refund.
Air India has advised customers to use its official website or contact support centers for assistance. Meanwhile, Air India Express has provided added convenience by allowing rebooking through its WhatsApp-based digital assistant, especially for passengers traveling from UAE locations.
Efforts to Expand Connectivity
The airline group stated that it is actively reaching out to affected passengers and exploring the possibility of adding more special flights to West Asia. These decisions will depend on operational viability and regulatory approvals.
For now, the focus remains on maintaining essential connectivity while ensuring passenger safety and compliance with all required guidelines.