NITN | @notintownlive | 09 Mar 2026, 08:39 am
Middle East
An IndiGo flight. Photo: Unsplash
The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Monday said Indian carriers are planning to operate around 50 flights between India and the Middle East region amid ongoing tensions in the Gulf that have significantly disrupted flight movements.
In a statement, the ministry said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia, which is affecting air travel between India and the region.
“Airlines are undertaking necessary operational adjustments in view of the prevailing conditions to ensure passenger safety and the orderly conduct of flight operations,” the ministry said.
“As per the current status, Indian carriers are planning to operate 50 flights on March 9, 2026,” it added.
Passenger movement data for March 7 showed that a total of 51 inbound flights operated by Indian carriers arrived in India from the region, carrying 8,175 passengers.
“For March 8, 2026, Indian carriers — Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Akasa Air — have planned 49 inbound flights from airports in the region such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Muscat and Jeddah, subject to operational feasibility and prevailing conditions,” the statement said.
The ministry added that Indian carriers are continuously assessing the situation at other airports in the region so that additional flights can be operated if required.
It said the government remains in constant coordination with airlines and other stakeholders. Airfares are also being closely monitored to ensure ticket prices remain reasonable and that there is no undue surge during this period.
“Passengers are advised to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding flight schedules,” the statement said.
The ministry added that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and issue further updates as necessary.
- Spirit Airlines Halts Operations as Fuel Costs Soar Amid Middle East Crisis
- IndiGo Launches Direct Chennai–Réunion Island Flights, Boosting Connectivity in the Indian Ocean
- Fuel crisis hits skies: Lufthansa cancels 20,000 flights amid Iran tensions
- Planning to Fly with Your Pets? Etihad Airways Rolls Out Special Offer on Pets Onboard Service
- Economy Just Got More Comfy! Air New Zealand Launches Sleep Pods on 17-Hour Flights
- Lufthansa cancels hundreds of flights as pilots launch two-day strike
- Air Canada Adds Tenerife and New Sun Destinations to Winter 2026–27 Network
- Catering truck hits IndiGo aircraft at Kolkata airport, flight delayed
- Air India makes history again—First airline to launch flight service to Halwara. Check out the date
- Game-changer in aviation: ITA Airways joins Star Alliance—Travel will never be the same!
Spirit Airlines, the ultra-low-cost carrier known for offering some of the cheapest airfares in exchange for limited onboard services, has announced it is shutting down operations after 34 years in business.
IndiGo has launched direct flights linking Chennai with Réunion Island, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, from April 29, 2026.
The ongoing conflict in Iran is exerting significant pressure on the global aviation sector, with rising jet fuel prices and supply concerns creating challenges for both airlines and passengers.
