Amid heavy tensions in West Asia, Air India and Air India Express take steps to provide significant relief.
- bySherya
- 11 Mar, 2026
Following the joint actions of the United States and Israel against Iran, several countries have imposed restrictions or closed their airspace. Consequently, airlines are operating flights in a phased manner.

Amid tensions in the Middle East, Air India resumes flight operations in the region.
West Asia Tensions: Due to rising tensions in the Middle East, stranded passengers are facing significant difficulties. Meanwhile, there is some relief that efforts are being made to gradually normalize flights to and from West Asia. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Air India and Air India Express will operate a total of 58 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from West Asia on Wednesday.
The ministry stated that the situation throughout the region and its impact on flights are being continuously monitored. Following the joint actions of the United States and Israel against Iran, several countries have imposed restrictions or closed their airspace. Consequently, airlines are operating flights in a phased manner.
Flights to West Asia
According to Air India, eight flights will be operated from Delhi and Mumbai to Jeddah. Air India Express will operate 14 flights to and from Muscat. The airline said additional flights to the United Arab Emirates may also be added, subject to slot availability and regulatory approvals.
Passengers are advised to check flight schedules with their respective airlines before traveling. IndiGo is also scheduled to operate flights on the Mumbai-Riyadh-Mumbai route on Thursday. SpiceJet has obtained approval to use alternate airports, while Akasa Air has been advised to resume flights based on operational conditions.
Additional charges on tickets
Due to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and rising aviation fuel prices, Air India and Air India Express have announced an additional surcharge of Rs 399 on domestic tickets from March 12. The airlines say that the escalating tensions in the Gulf region have significantly increased operating costs, so this fee will be implemented in a phased manner. However, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has said that despite the tensions in the region, ticket prices will be closely monitored to ensure that passengers are not charged unnecessary or excessive fares.



