Published on
March 10, 2026
Image generated with Ai
In a significant development for travelers caught in the ongoing disruptions in the Middle East, Indian carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air are gradually resuming flights. After the widespread airspace closures and numerous flight cancellations caused by the escalating geopolitical situation, airlines have started reopening critical routes to destinations like Jeddah, Muscat, and Dubai. These flights, including both scheduled and ad-hoc services, are designed to offer much-needed travel relief for passengers who have been stranded in the region.
The gradual restoration of flight operations by these airlines aims to ensure seamless travel and provide vital links between India and the Middle East. The reopening of these routes will not only assist stranded passengers but also help boost tourism and business travel between the two regions.
Air India and Air India Express Leading the Charge
Starting on March 9, 2026, Air India and Air India Express are operating 24 scheduled flights connecting India with key Middle Eastern cities like Jeddah and Muscat. Additionally, both airlines have announced that they will run 32 ad-hoc flights from several UAE locations, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, to facilitate the urgent travel needs of affected passengers. These measures come after the grounding of flights due to airspace closures across the region, which impacted thousands of passengers globally.
To support this recovery, Air India will also launch 78 additional flights on nine international routes between March 10 and 18, 2026. This initiative will provide travelers with more options to reach their destinations despite the ongoing disruptions.
IndiGo’s Role in Rebuilding Travel Connections
IndiGo, known for its extensive network, has also joined the efforts to resume travel by restarting operations to eight Middle Eastern destinations. These destinations include major travel hubs such as Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, and Muscat. This restoration of services offers both convenience and flexibility for travelers looking to navigate the Middle East region in the wake of disruptions. As one of India’s largest budget carriers, IndiGo’s services are expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing recovery of Middle East travel.
SpiceJet and Akasa Air Reignite Regional Connections
SpiceJet, another key player in the Indian aviation sector, has already operated several special flights from the UAE to major Indian cities like Mumbai and Pune. These flights are designed to accommodate passengers who were stranded due to the disruption. On March 9, 2026, SpiceJet operated flights from Dubai to Pune and Mumbai, while also providing services from Fujairah to Mumbai, ensuring comprehensive travel coverage for passengers.
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Similarly, Akasa Air has resumed bookings for flights connecting Jeddah with Indian cities such as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kochi, and Kozhikode. Akasa Air will operate select services to Jeddah until March 31, 2026, adding another option for travelers eager to resume their journeys.
Middle East Travel Back on Track: Key Points for Travelers
As travel slowly returns to normal, it is crucial for tourists and business travelers to stay informed about their travel plans. Here are a few tips to help navigate the ongoing recovery of Middle East flights:
- Check Flight Status Regularly: With the constant changes in air traffic, it’s essential for travelers to stay updated with the latest flight information. Airlines are advising passengers to check their flight status frequently through official airline apps and websites.
- Book Flights Early: While the situation is gradually stabilizing, many travelers are rushing to book flights. To avoid last-minute hassles, it’s advisable to book flights as soon as possible.
- Be Prepared for Changes: Due to operational constraints, some flights might face further delays or cancellations. Passengers should remain flexible and ensure they have alternative travel options.
- Tourism Tips: For travelers planning to visit Jeddah, Muscat, or Dubai, be sure to check if any special tourist offers are available. As airlines are working to reconnect regions, there may be promotional fares and deals for tourists eager to explore the Middle East’s cultural and historical gems.
Recovery of Tourism and Trade Between India and the Middle East
The resumption of flight operations between India and the Middle East is not only a crucial step for stranded passengers but also a positive indicator for the tourism and trade sectors in both regions. For many countries in the Middle East, India represents a major source of tourists and business visitors. Likewise, the Middle East continues to be a key destination for Indian travelers seeking leisure and business opportunities.
This revival of air services is expected to foster the business relationships that are vital for the tourism economy, with more flights leading to an increase in cross-border tourism. With regional airlines ramping up their services, both sectors are poised to benefit from these enhanced air links, offering travelers more opportunities to engage with the region.
What to Expect from Upcoming Travel Trends
As the region begins to recover from the temporary travel disruptions, tourism authorities and airlines are optimistic that travel demand will spike in the coming months. Airlines will continue to introduce more flights to facilitate ease of travel between India and the Middle East, particularly for the tourism market which is expected to surge as soon as the current disruptions subside.
For travelers, this marks a return to more stable travel options, ensuring that tourism opportunities will flourish once again between India and key Middle Eastern destinations like Dubai, Muscat, and Jeddah.
