Air India Flights Resume Amid Rising Demand
Air India and Air India Express are set to operate a total of 58 flights to West Asia, linking India with key destinations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. This significant increase in services comes as travel between these regions is experiencing a notable uptick.
Starting March 12, 2026, IndiGo will also resume flights to nine destinations in the Middle East, further enhancing connectivity for travelers. The renewed operations by these airlines highlight the growing demand for air travel in the region.
Air India is currently operating one round-trip flight from Delhi to Jeddah and two round-trip flights from Mumbai to Jeddah. Additionally, Air India Express is providing one round-trip service from both Bengaluru and Kozhikode to Jeddah.
In terms of services to Muscat, Air India is operating one round-trip flight from Delhi and Mumbai, along with two round-trips from Kozhikode. Both airlines are also offering a non-scheduled round-trip service to Riyadh from Mumbai and Kozhikode.
To accommodate the increased passenger volume, Air India and Air India Express have scheduled 78 extra flights between March 10 and March 18, 2026, focusing on long-haul routes. This expansion is a direct response to the rising travel demand in the Gulf region.
Passengers are advised to check their flight status regularly, as schedules may change at short notice. IndiGo has emphasized that “flight schedules may change at short notice,” reflecting the dynamic nature of air travel planning.
Moreover, Air India Express has announced that guests traveling to and from the Gulf region to India are eligible for a free date change or cancellation for travel scheduled until March 31, 2026. This policy aims to provide flexibility for travelers amid ongoing uncertainties.
As travel between the UAE and India picks up, the resumption of these flights marks a significant development in the aviation sector. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term sustainability of these operations as the situation evolves.
