Flight Chaos Eases: Air India, Air India Express Deploys 62 Additional Services to UAE, Saudi Arabia
Air travel between India and the Gulf has received a major boost as the Air India group, comprising Air India and Air India Express, announced the addition of 62 extra flights connecting India with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The move comes at a time when regional tensions in West Asia have disrupted aviation schedules, leaving thousands of passengers scrambling for alternative travel options.The additional flights are designed to restore connectivity and help stranded travellers return home or reach their destinations across the Gulf, a region that hosts millions of Indian expatriates and remains one of the busiest international corridors for Indian airlines.
Why airlines are adding extra flights amid Iran vs US-Israel war
The decision to operate extra services follows widespread disruptions to Middle Eastern airspace caused by escalating geopolitical tensions in the region amid Iran vs US-Israel war.
Israel Iran War
Flight cancellations, diversions and restricted schedules have affected several airlines operating between South Asia and the Gulf. For Indian carriers, the situation has been particularly complex.Many airlines have already been dealing with longer routes and higher costs due to the continued ban on using Pakistani airspace and the recent crisis has added another layer of operational challenges. Against this backdrop, the Air India group’s decision to ramp up services is aimed at maintaining travel links between India and major Gulf destinations while assisting passengers impacted by cancellations or delays.
62 extra flights, 80 flights in total: What we know amid Iran vs US-Israel war
According to airline announcements, 62 non-scheduled additional flights will operate between India and key destinations in the Gulf region. These flights supplement existing scheduled services and are subject to slot availability and regulatory approvals from authorities in both countries.
Air India Adds 62 Flights to UAE and Saudi Arabia Amid Regional Airspace Disruptions
Combined with regular services, the airline group plans to operate around 80 flights to West Asia in a single day, connecting major Indian cities with Gulf hubs. These routes primarily link Indian cities with airports across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, two of the most important travel markets for Indian carriers.In a major push to stabilise travel between India and the Gulf, the Air India group, including Air India Express, ramped up its operations to around 80 flights in a single day, connecting India with key destinations in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The surge in services includes dozens of additional non-scheduled flights aimed at accommodating passengers affected by recent regional disruptions and fluctuating airline schedules across West Asia.By significantly boosting capacity across major routes linking cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Jeddah and Riyadh with Indian hubs like Delhi and Mumbai, the airline group effectively created an aviation lifeline for travellers caught in uncertainty. The intensified schedule not only helps clear the backlog of stranded passengers but also underscores the strategic importance of the India-Gulf air corridor, one of the busiest and most economically vital international travel networks for Indian carriers.
Key Gulf destinations being served amid Iran vs US-Israel war
The expanded schedule focuses on some of the busiest routes between India and the Gulf, including:
- Dubai
- Abu Dhabi
- Sharjah
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Jeddah
- Riyadh
The services are being operated from major Indian hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi and Kozhikode. Some additional round-trip flights include services from Mumbai and Kozhikode to Riyadh, reflecting demand for travel between India and Saudi Arabia as well. In the UAE, the extra capacity covers multiple emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, to ensure travellers across the country have options to return to India or continue onward journeys.The primary goal of these additional flights is to assist passengers whose travel plans were disrupted due to cancellations and airspace restrictions. Thousands of travellers had been stranded across the Gulf region after sudden changes to flight operations earlier in March. Airlines have since been coordinating with aviation authorities to gradually restore connectivity and accommodate affected passengers.Air India has also been proactively contacting passengers and offering free rebooking or refund options for those affected by flight disruptions. Passengers are being advised to check flight status updates regularly, as schedules may continue to change depending on the evolving geopolitical situation.The expansion of flights highlights the strategic importance of the India–Gulf aviation corridor, which ranks among the busiest in the world. Millions of Indian expatriates live and work in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, creating constant demand for passenger flights throughout the year. Even minor disruptions can cause ripple effects across the travel industry because:
- The Gulf serves as a key transit hub for international flights.
- A large migrant workforce regularly travels between India and the region.
- Religious travel to Saudi Arabia, including Umrah pilgrims, significantly boosts seasonal demand.
When tensions escalate in the region, airlines must quickly adapt schedules, reroute aircraft and coordinate with multiple airspace authorities to keep flights running safely. Air India’s move is part of a wider effort across the aviation industry to restore connectivity after weeks of disruption. Several carriers operating from the Gulf, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, Flydubai and Air Arabia, have also begun gradually resuming or expanding services, though many are still operating reduced schedules.
Will Air India’s 62 Extra Flights Ease Travel Chaos Amidst Middle East Tensions?
Meanwhile, other Indian airlines have taken different approaches. For instance, some carriers have cancelled flights due to safety advisories or aircraft restrictions related to regional airspace conditions. This patchwork of schedules reflects the volatile aviation environment in the region.
Rising costs add to airline challenges amid Iran vs US-Israel war
Airlines are not only dealing with operational challenges but also rising costs. Fuel prices have surged amid geopolitical tensions in the Gulf, prompting Air India to introduce a phased fuel surcharge increase on domestic and international flights starting March 2026. Longer routes caused by airspace closures also increase fuel consumption and flight times—further adding to airlines’ expenses.For passengers planning to fly between India and the Gulf in the coming days, aviation experts recommend:
- Checking flight status before heading to the airport.
- Allowing extra time for travel, as schedules may change suddenly.
- Updating contact details with airlines to receive real-time notifications.
- Considering flexible booking options where possible.
Authorities and airlines are continuing to monitor the situation closely and say they will adjust operations if conditions change. The addition of 62 extra flights underscores how crucial the India–Gulf air corridor remains, even during times of geopolitical uncertainty. By rapidly expanding capacity, the Air India group is attempting to stabilise travel routes and ensure passengers can continue moving between the two regions.For thousands of travellers, including migrant workers, tourists and business passengers, the expanded schedule could mean the difference between being stranded abroad and finally making it home. As the situation in West Asia evolves, airlines are expected to keep adjusting operations, balancing safety, demand and connectivity in one of the world’s most dynamic aviation markets. Go to Source
