Air India has faced significant operational challenges due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, leading to the suspension of all flights to Israel until May 31, 2026. Prior to this development, the airline maintained regular services to Israel, catering to a substantial number of passengers.

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

This change directly affects the approximately 40,000 Indians currently in Israel, who are facing travel disruptions. With scheduled operations suspended at UAE airports, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah, the introduction of non-scheduled flights provides a crucial alternative for those needing to travel.

Passengers booked on suspended routes are being offered the option to rebook for a later date without additional charges or request a full refund. Air India has been proactive in reaching out to affected passengers using registered mobile numbers to provide updates and rebooking options.

Despite the suspension of flights to Israel, Air India continues to operate long-haul flights to North America, Europe, and Australia as scheduled. This indicates a strategic focus on maintaining connectivity in other key markets while navigating the complexities of the current situation.

Air India Express is also facilitating rebooking for passengers traveling from any UAE station to destinations in India, ensuring that travelers have viable alternatives during this turbulent period.

All operations are being conducted with the necessary approvals from Indian and UAE regulatory authorities, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to compliance and safety. “These flights are being operated with the requisite permissions from the relevant Indian and local regulatory authorities in the UAE,” an Air India spokesperson confirmed.

Additionally, Air India has established a 24×7 emergency helpline for Indians in Israel, reflecting its dedication to supporting its customers during this crisis. The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has also launched a large-scale registration drive for Indians in Israel, further underscoring the urgency of the situation.

As air travel between India and key West Asian hubs continues to operate under a revised schedule, the introduction of non-scheduled flights to the UAE represents a critical adaptation to evolving operational constraints. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term implications of these changes, but the immediate response has been swift and focused on passenger needs.

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The ongoing instability in the Middle East has prompted Air India Express to confirm the operation of 34 flights to and from the West Asia region on April 2, 2026. This decision comes as airlines in India issue fresh travel advisories, highlighting the need for flexibility and adaptability in flight schedules.

Of the 34 flights operated by Air India and Air India Express, 18 will be non-scheduled services specifically to and from the UAE. This move is crucial for maintaining connectivity for passengers affected by the current disruptions. Air India has reassured travelers that its long-haul network remains stable despite the challenges faced in the region.

In a significant development, Air India Express has launched a direct flight service between Pune and Abu Dhabi, enhancing travel options for passengers. This service is part of a broader strategy to ensure that travelers have access to reliable flight options during this turbulent period.

Passengers impacted by cancellations or temporary suspensions have been offered flexibility to rebook or opt for a full refund. Air India Express guests can rebook flights without additional charges on additional commercial flights operating from any UAE station to any destination in India, providing much-needed relief to those affected.

IndiGo has also stepped up its operations, scheduling 30 flights across its Middle East network on the same day. The airline emphasized the importance of staying informed, urging customers to regularly check their flight status due to the dynamic situation across the region.

“Given the dynamic situation across the Middle East, staying informed becomes essential. Flight schedules may change and hence we urge our customers to regularly check their flight status before leaving for the airport,” an IndiGo spokesperson stated, reflecting the urgency of the situation.

As the situation evolves, airlines are working diligently to adapt to the changing landscape. Air India Express has indicated that the operation of its flights, including the 18 non-scheduled ones to and from the UAE, will depend on the availability of slots and other prevailing conditions at the departure stations at the time.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential further disruptions or changes in flight operations as the situation develops. Passengers are advised to stay updated on their travel plans as airlines navigate these unprecedented challenges.

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On April 6, 2026, Aloke Singh officially stepped into the role of Chief Strategy Officer at IndiGo, marking a significant shift in the airline’s leadership. This appointment comes in the wake of the departure of former CEO Pieter Elbers, who resigned on March 10, 2026. Singh’s extensive background in aviation, spanning over three decades, positions him as a key player in steering IndiGo through a critical phase of recovery and expansion.

Prior to joining IndiGo, Singh served as the Managing Director and CEO of Air India Express, where he was instrumental in overseeing the merger of AirAsia India into the airline. His leadership experience extends to senior roles at both Air India and Oman Air, showcasing a robust portfolio that equips him to tackle the challenges ahead for IndiGo.

Singh’s appointment is particularly timely as IndiGo grapples with the aftermath of its worst operational disruption in December 2025, which saw the cancellation of 2,507 flights and delays affecting 1,852 flights, impacting approximately 300,000 passengers. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) imposed a 10 percent cut in IndiGo’s winter schedule and levied penalties totaling ₹22 crore in response to the operational failures.

In his new role, Singh will lead long-term strategic planning and enterprise-wide transformation initiatives, reporting 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,” underscoring the importance of Singh’s experience during this pivotal moment for the airline.

As IndiGo aims for international expansion, Singh’s strategic vision is expected to play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of the global aviation market. Singh himself remarked, “I look forward to contributing to IndiGo’s next phase as it expands its global ambitions,” highlighting his commitment to the airline’s future.

Singh’s leadership comes at a time when IndiGo is not only recovering from operational challenges but also seeking to solidify its position in the competitive aviation landscape. His track record of managing significant transitions within airlines will be vital as IndiGo looks to enhance its operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

The airline industry is currently facing numerous challenges, and Singh’s experience in handling mergers and operational disruptions will be essential in guiding IndiGo through these turbulent times. His strategic initiatives will likely focus on improving operational reliability and expanding service offerings to meet growing passenger demand.

As the aviation sector continues to evolve, Singh’s appointment as Chief Strategy Officer at IndiGo is a strategic move that signals the airline’s intent to strengthen its market presence and recover from recent setbacks. With Singh at the helm of strategy, IndiGo is poised to embark on a new chapter aimed at achieving sustainable growth and operational excellence.

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The resumption of Air India flights is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between India and West Asia, with a total of 58 flights linking the two regions. This move comes as travel demand between the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman increases, reflecting a broader recovery in international travel.

Flight Operations Details

Air India is currently operating one round-trip flight from Delhi to Jeddah and two from Mumbai to Jeddah. Additionally, Air India Express has scheduled one round-trip from Bengaluru and one from Kozhikode to Jeddah. Flights to Muscat include one round-trip from Delhi and Mumbai, along with two from Kozhikode.

Both airlines are also providing non-scheduled round-trip services to Riyadh from Mumbai and Kozhikode, further expanding their reach in the region.

IndiGo’s Contribution

IndiGo is set to resume flights to nine destinations in the Middle East starting March 12, 2026. This expansion by IndiGo complements the efforts of Air India and Air India Express to meet the growing travel needs of passengers.

Extra Flights Scheduled

In addition to regular services, Air India and Air India Express have scheduled 78 extra flights between March 10 and March 18, 2026, focusing on long-haul routes. This increase in flight availability is aimed at accommodating the anticipated surge in passenger traffic during this period.

Passenger Advisory

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

Moreover, 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, providing additional flexibility for travelers.

Looking Ahead

As travel between the UAE and India continues to recover, the resumption of Air India flights and the expansion of services by other airlines signal a positive trend in the aviation sector. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding future expansions or changes in flight schedules.

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On March 11, 2026, an Air India Express Boeing 737 MAX, carrying 138 people, made a hard landing at Phuket International Airport in Thailand. The flight, IX 938, had departed from Hyderabad at 6:23 am and was scheduled to arrive at 11:25 am local time.

Details of the Landing

Upon landing, the aircraft bounced once, resulting in both nose wheels detaching. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the 132 passengers and 6 crew members on board. The aircraft was subsequently towed to the bay after passengers were safely deplaned on the runway.

Runway Closure and Diversions

The incident led to the closure of the runway at Phuket International Airport for nearly seven hours, during which 20 flights were diverted to other airports. Phuket International Airport issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to inform about the temporary closure.

Safety Checks and Reopening

Safety checks were conducted, and the runway was expected to reopen by 6 pm local time. The nose wheels had been replaced on March 8, 2026, as part of routine maintenance, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the hard landing.

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.” An official statement from AI Express indicated that the nose wheels were reinstalled, allowing normal airport operations to resume.

Expert Insights

Experts weighed in on the incident, with a senior B737 captain describing it as a clear case of a hard landing with nose wheel damage on the second touchdown. An experienced pilot noted that Phuket can be a challenging location to land, particularly when strong winds and thermals are present during the hot afternoon hours.

While the immediate situation has been addressed, details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific causes of the hard landing. The incident highlights the complexities of aviation safety and the importance of thorough maintenance and operational protocols.

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“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.

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