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 representative stated. This assurance comes as the airlines navigate a complex travel landscape in the Gulf region.
On March 9, 2026, Air India is scheduled to operate one round-trip each from Delhi and Mumbai to Jeddah, while Air India Express will provide one round-trip each from Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kozhikode to the same destination. Additionally, Air India Express is set to operate 14 flights to and from Muscat, catering to the needs of travelers in the area.
In a bid to assist stranded travelers, Air India will also operate additional non-scheduled flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Dubai. These efforts are part of a broader initiative, with Air India Express planning a total of 32 ad-hoc non-scheduled flights to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the same day. This is aimed at facilitating the return of those who have found themselves unable to travel due to recent disruptions.
Scheduled flights of Air India Express to and from Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh have been cancelled until March 13, while Air India’s scheduled flights to and from Dammam, Doha, and Riyadh remain cancelled until March 10. The cancellations highlight the ongoing challenges faced by airlines in the region.
More than 52,000 Indians traveled safely from the Gulf region to India between March 1-7, 2026, showcasing the demand for air travel despite the current circumstances. A dedicated special control room has been established to monitor and respond to queries from those affected by the cancellations and changes in flight schedules.
“These flights are being operated with the requisite permissions from the relevant Indian and local regulatory authorities,” the representative added, emphasizing the compliance with regulations as the airlines continue their operations.
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. As the situation develops, further updates are expected regarding flight operations and travel advisories.
