Iran war disrupts travel: Air India, Air India Express to operate 58 flights to and from Middle East

As tensions continue to rise in West Asia, Air India and Air India Express will operate a total of 58 scheduled and special flights to and from the region on Wednesday, even as the government keeps a close watch on the situation and its impact on aviation operations.

The ministry of civil aviation said airlines are running services in a calibrated manner due to airspace restrictions and closures amid the escalating conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran.

According to Air India, eight flights will operate between Delhi/Mumbai and Jeddah, while Air India Express will run 14 flights to and from Muscat. The airline also said additional non-scheduled flights to the UAE may be operated depending on slot availability and regulatory approvals.

Passengers have been advised to stay in touch with their airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules and travel plans.

Meanwhile, IndiGo will start its Mumbai–Riyadh–Mumbai service from Thursday, while SpiceJet has secured approvals for alternate airports. Akasa Air has also been advised to launch its Mumbai–Riyadh–Mumbai flights based on operational conditions.

To manage disruptions, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has coordinated extra arrival and departure slots and approved Muscat International Airport as an alternate route for flights operating to and from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, Fujairah, Jeddah and Medina.

Amid rising operating costs, Air India and Air India Express also announced that a ₹399 fuel surcharge will be added to each domestic flight ticket from March 12. The airline group said the surcharge will be implemented in phases across domestic and international routes due to the sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices, linked to the geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.

The ministry of civil aviation has assured that ticket prices are being closely monitored to prevent any undue surge during this period.

Following military strikes and retaliatory actions involving Iran and its adversaries, several countries have temporarily closed or restricted their airspace. As a result, airlines worldwide have had to cancel flights, reroute aircraft or suspend services, leading to widespread delays and cancellations and leaving many travellers stranded at major airports.