New Delhi is witnessing a cautious return of flights to the Middle East as major carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet restart limited services starting Friday. The move comes despite ongoing airspace restrictions triggered by the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict, which has already grounded thousands of flights.
IndiGo announced it will operate 17 flights to eight Middle Eastern destinations on Friday, covering 34 sectors in total. The airline emphasized its collaboration with government authorities to ensure safe and gradual restoration of full operations. ‘Passenger safety remains our top priority,’ an IndiGo spokesperson stated.
Reports confirm that Saudi Arabia and Oman’s airspace has reopened, prompting Air India and Air India Express to resume flights to Jeddah and Muscat. This development offers relief to stranded passengers who have been affected by the sudden disruptions.
SpiceJet plans special flights from the UAE to India on March 6 and 7, with additional services on March 8 to facilitate smoother passenger movement. Meanwhile, IndiGo is reaching out directly to booked passengers, advising them not to head to airports until official confirmation.
Air India has scheduled special repatriation flights from Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah on March 6, pending regulatory approvals. Services to other West Asian destinations remain suspended until March 10. Passengers with tickets issued by March 4 for travel between February 28 and March 8 can reschedule within a month without extra fees.
Data from Dubai International Airport shows a near-doubling of flight movements on Thursday, reaching about 25% of normal levels. Industry figures reveal over 44,000 flights scheduled between February 28 and March 5, with more than 25,000 cancellations so far.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is coordinating with airlines and has activated passenger assistance control rooms. The Civil Aviation Ministry assures continuous monitoring to prevent fare hikes, providing a safety net for affected travelers during this turbulent period.