Prior to recent developments, Air India maintained a regular schedule of flights to Israel and the UAE. However, the ongoing conflict in West Asia has led to significant operational changes, including the suspension of all flights to Israel until May 31, 2026.

On April 6, 2026, Air India and Air India Express operated a total of 30 flights to and from the West Asia region. Among these, 10 were designated as non-scheduled flights specifically to and from the United Arab Emirates, marking a shift in their operational strategy.

This change comes as scheduled operations at UAE airports, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah, remain suspended. Passengers who had booked flights on these suspended routes are being offered the option to rebook for a later date without additional charges or to request a full refund.

Air India continues to operate long-haul flights to destinations in North America, Europe, and Australia as scheduled, ensuring that some international travel remains unaffected. Additionally, Air India Express is allowing passengers to rebook on alternative services operating from any UAE station to destinations in India without incurring extra fees.

The airline is actively communicating with affected passengers, using registered mobile numbers to provide updates and rebooking options. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the inconvenience faced by travelers during this period of uncertainty.

According to reports, approximately 40,000 Indians in Israel are currently facing challenges due to the suspension of flights. In response, Air India has established a 24×7 emergency helpline for Indians in Israel, and the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has initiated a large-scale registration drive for its citizens.

Air India and Air India Express are operating these non-scheduled flights with the necessary approvals from both Indian and UAE regulatory authorities. This development highlights the evolving operational constraints affecting air travel between India and key West Asian hubs.

As the situation continues to unfold, the airline’s ability to adapt its services will be crucial in addressing the needs of passengers affected by the ongoing conflict and flight suspensions.

Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining communication with passengers during such disruptions, as it helps build trust and ensures travelers are informed of their options.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term implications of these operational changes, but the immediate focus remains on providing support to those impacted by the flight suspensions.

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On April 6, 2026, Aloke Singh officially took on the role of Chief Strategy Officer at IndiGo, a significant appointment following the recent departure of the airline’s previous CEO, Pieter Elbers, on March 10, 2026. This transition comes at a critical time for IndiGo as it seeks to recover from its worst operational disruption in December 2025, during which the airline cancelled 2,507 flights and delayed an additional 1,852, affecting approximately 300,000 passengers.

Aloke Singh brings with him over three decades of experience in the aviation sector, having held senior leadership roles at prominent organizations including Air India and Oman Air. Prior to joining IndiGo, Singh served as the Managing Director and CEO of Air India Express, where he notably oversaw the merger of AirAsia India into the airline. His extensive background in the industry is expected to provide valuable insights as IndiGo navigates its current challenges.

In his new role, Singh will be responsible for leading long-term strategic planning and enterprise-wide transformation initiatives at IndiGo. He will report directly to Managing Director Rahul Bhatia until a new CEO is appointed. Bhatia expressed confidence in Singh’s capabilities, stating, “Aloke brings an exceptional blend of strategic vision and operational depth,” highlighting the importance of Singh’s leadership during this pivotal moment for the airline.

Singh’s appointment is seen as a strategic move for IndiGo as it aims for international expansion, particularly in light of the operational difficulties it faced recently. The airline had to impose a 10 percent cut in its winter schedule as mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), alongside facing penalties amounting to ₹22 crore due to its operational disruptions.

In a statement regarding his new position, Singh expressed enthusiasm about contributing to IndiGo’s growth, saying, “I look forward to contributing to IndiGo’s next phase as it expands its global ambitions.” His vision aligns with the airline’s goals of enhancing its market presence and operational efficiency.

As IndiGo moves forward, the focus will be on stabilizing operations and rebuilding passenger trust after the significant disruptions experienced in late 2025. Singh’s leadership is expected to play a crucial role in steering the airline through this recovery phase and towards its long-term objectives.

Overall, Aloke Singh’s appointment as Chief Strategy Officer marks a significant step for IndiGo as it seeks to overcome recent challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities in the competitive aviation landscape.

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What does the resumption of flight operations to Riyadh signify amid ongoing regional tensions? It indicates a cautious return to normalcy for Indian carriers, who have resumed services following a period of disruption.

As of March 12, 2023, Indian airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and Air India Express, have reinstated their flight operations to and from Riyadh. Specifically, three services are being operated to Mumbai by Air India and IndiGo, while Air India Express has one service to Calicut.

Today, Indian carriers have scheduled a total of 57 inbound flights from various cities in West Asia, reflecting a significant operational adjustment in response to the evolving situation.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is actively monitoring developments in West Asia, particularly in light of the ongoing Iran vs US-Israel conflict, which has been reshaping travel dynamics in the region.

In an effort to ensure affordability, airfares are being closely monitored, with authorities aiming to keep ticket prices reasonable for travelers. Passengers are advised to stay in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights.

Airlines are making necessary operational adjustments to prioritize passenger safety, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining secure travel options despite the surrounding uncertainties.

As the situation continues to evolve, the implications for future travel and operations remain to be seen. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further changes that may arise in response to regional developments.

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In recent days, the aviation landscape in India and West Asia has been significantly impacted by a series of events, culminating in a drone attack near Dubai International Airport. This incident occurred amid escalating regional tensions since the outbreak of the war involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran on February 28.

Just before the drone attack, Qatar Airways announced it would operate three flights to India over the next two days. This decision was made to accommodate travelers amid the ongoing situation.

On March 12, Air India and Air India Express are set to operate a combined total of 58 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from West Asia. This includes a round-trip flight from Delhi and two from Mumbai to Jeddah, as well as one round-trip each from Bengaluru and Kozhikode to Jeddah by Air India Express.

Additionally, Air India Express will maintain its scheduled services to Muscat, operating one round-trip each from Delhi and Mumbai, and two round-trips from Kozhikode. In total, Air India Express will operate 10 flights to and from Jeddah and 8 flights to and from Muscat, alongside 40 non-scheduled flights to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

The drone attack, which struck a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport, led to temporary flight suspensions as emergency responders worked to contain the resulting fire. Fortunately, officials later confirmed that the blaze had been brought under control, allowing operations to resume.

As the situation develops, the aviation industry is closely monitoring the implications of these events. The adjustments made by airlines like Qatar Airways and Air India reflect a proactive approach to ensuring passenger safety and maintaining connectivity in the region.

In total, Air India is also planning an additional 78 flights between March 10 and 18 to various destinations, further emphasizing the importance of maintaining travel options during this period of uncertainty.

While the immediate impact of the drone attack has been addressed, the broader implications for regional travel remain to be seen. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any long-term changes to flight operations as airlines adapt to the evolving situation.

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Air India and Air India Express are resuming operations with a total of 58 flights connecting India with West Asia, specifically the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. This significant increase in services comes as travel demand between these regions continues to rise.

Starting March 12, 2026, IndiGo will also resume flights to nine destinations in the Middle East, further enhancing connectivity for travelers. Air India is currently operating one round-trip flight from Delhi to Jeddah and two from Mumbai to Jeddah, while Air India Express is offering round-trips from Bengaluru and Kozhikode to Jeddah.

In addition to these routes, Air India is providing services from Delhi and Mumbai to Muscat, as well as two round-trips from Kozhikode to Muscat. Both airlines are also operating a non-scheduled round-trip service to Riyadh from Mumbai and Kozhikode.

To accommodate the anticipated increase in passenger traffic, Air India and Air India Express have scheduled 78 extra flights between March 10 and March 18, 2026, focusing on long-haul routes. This expansion is a response to the growing demand for travel to and from the Gulf region.

Passengers are advised to check the flight status regularly, as schedules may change. IndiGo has cautioned that “flight schedules may change at short notice,” emphasizing the need for travelers to stay informed.

Furthermore, Air India Express has announced that guests traveling to and from the Gulf region to India are eligible for a free date change or cancellation for travel scheduled until March 31, 2026. This policy aims to provide flexibility to passengers amid the ongoing adjustments in flight operations.

The resumption of these air services marks a crucial step in restoring connectivity between India and the Gulf nations, which has been impacted in recent years. As travel restrictions ease, airlines are working to meet the needs of travelers eager to reconnect with family and business opportunities.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further expansions or changes to the flight schedules beyond this initial rollout. However, the current developments indicate a positive trend in the aviation sector as travel resumes.

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On March 11, 2026, an Air India Express Boeing 737 MAX, operating flight IX 938, made a hard landing at Phuket International Airport, Thailand, with 138 people on board. The aircraft, which had departed from Hyderabad at 6:23 AM, landed in Phuket at 11:25 AM local time.

Details of the Landing

Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced once, resulting in the detachment of both nose wheels. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the 132 passengers and 6 crew members. Following the incident, the aircraft was towed to the bay after passengers were safely deplaned on the runway.

Runway Closure and Diversions

The runway at Phuket International Airport was closed for nearly seven hours due to the incident, leading to the diversion of 20 flights to other airports. Phuket International Airport issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to inform about the temporary closure.

Maintenance and Safety Checks

Prior to the incident, the nose wheels of the aircraft, registered as VT-BWQ, had been replaced on March 8, 2026, as part of routine maintenance. The runway was expected to reopen by 6 PM local time after necessary safety checks were completed.

Official Statements

An Air India Express spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating, “We confirm that our Hyderabad-Phuket flight on March 11 experienced an issue with the nose wheel at Phuket Airport.” Additionally, an AI Express statement noted, “The nose wheels have been installed on the aircraft involved in the incident at Phuket Airport, allowing normal airport operations to resume.”

Expert Insights

Senior aviation experts commented on the situation, with one senior B737 captain stating, “It’s a clear case of a hard landing, with nose wheel damage on the second touchdown.” An experienced pilot added, “Phuket is a tricky place to land if the winds are strong and thermals during hot afternoon time which is usually the case there.”

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