Air India and Air India Express Maintain Operations
“Air India and Air India Express will continue to operate their respective scheduled services to and from Jeddah and Muscat on 9 March 2026, as the airspaces over Saudi Arabia and Oman remain open,” a spokesperson confirmed. This announcement comes as both airlines prepare to facilitate travel for passengers amidst the ongoing regional developments.
On March 9, 2026, Air India is scheduled to operate one round-trip flight each from Delhi and Mumbai to Jeddah. In addition, Air India Express will provide round-trip services from Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kozhikode to Jeddah, along with flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram, and Tiruchirappalli to Muscat.
In total, Air India and Air India Express will operate a combined total of 32 ad-hoc non-scheduled flights to the UAE on that day. This includes 10 non-scheduled flights to and from Dubai, as well as special services to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al-Khaimah.
Despite the ongoing challenges in the region, the airlines are ensuring that travel options remain available. Scheduled flights of Air India Express to and from Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh are currently cancelled until March 13, while Air India’s scheduled flights to and from Dammam, Doha, and Riyadh remain cancelled until March 10.
More than 52,000 Indians travelled safely from the Gulf region to India between March 1-7, 2026, highlighting the ongoing demand for air travel in the region. These flights are being operated with the requisite permissions from the relevant Indian and local regulatory authorities, ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations.
The Government of India is continuously monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, especially with regard to the welfare of Indian nationals who have been stranded there during transit or on short-duration visits. This proactive approach aims to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens abroad.
As the situation develops, both Air India and Air India Express remain committed to providing essential air travel services, adapting to the needs of their passengers while navigating the complexities of the current environment.
