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.” This statement underscores the ongoing commitment of Air India to maintain connectivity in the region amidst evolving circumstances.
On March 9, 2026, Air India will operate one round-trip each from Delhi and Mumbai to Jeddah, while Air India Express will facilitate travel with one round-trip each from Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kozhikode to Jeddah. Additionally, Air India Express plans to operate 14 flights to and from Muscat, ensuring that travelers have access to these key destinations.
In light of the current situation, Air India will also operate additional non-scheduled flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Dubai. This move is part of a broader strategy to assist stranded travelers, with a total of 32 ad-hoc non-scheduled flights to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) scheduled for March 9, 2026. The flights are being operated with the requisite permissions from the relevant Indian and local regulatory authorities.
Scheduled flights of Air India Express to and from Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh are cancelled until March 13, while Air India’s scheduled flights to and from Dammam, Doha, and Riyadh remain cancelled until March 10. This cancellation reflects the ongoing monitoring of the situation in the Gulf region.
More than 52,000 Indians traveled safely from the Gulf region to India between March 1-7, 2026. This significant movement of people highlights the urgency and importance of maintaining air connectivity during these times. A dedicated special control room has been set up to monitor and respond to queries from those affected, ensuring that travelers receive timely information and assistance.
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. This proactive approach aims to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian citizens abroad.
As the situation develops, Air India and Air India Express remain committed to providing essential services to and from Jeddah and Muscat, adapting to the needs of travelers while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Further updates are expected as the airlines continue to navigate the complexities of air travel in the region.
