Indian Carriers Restart Select Middle East Services Amid Safety Assessments

Updated: March 03, 2026 13:40

Image Source: WOWNEWS24X7

On March 3, 2026, Indian carriers including IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Express, and Akasa Air announced the partial resumption of flights to select Middle East destinations. Services to Jeddah and Muscat restarted, while routes to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE remain suspended. Safety assessments continue amid ongoing regional tensions.

Indian airlines have cautiously resumed limited flight operations to the Middle East, offering relief to thousands of stranded passengers after days of cancellations triggered by escalating regional tensions. The move underscores both the urgency of repatriation efforts and the careful balancing of safety with demand.

Key Highlights

Partial Resumption:

IndiGo is operating four return flights to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, aimed at progressively normalizing operations.
Air India Express has resumed flights to and from Muscat, Oman.
SpiceJet and Akasa Air are also running select services, though schedules remain restricted.

Suspended Routes: Flights to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (beyond Jeddah), and the UAE remain suspended due to ongoing airspace closures and safety concerns.

Global Context: The Middle East crisis has led to over 3,000 flight cancellations worldwide, with Emirates among the worst affected carriers. Indian airlines are prioritizing stranded passengers, especially migrant workers and business travelers.

Safety First: Airlines emphasized that resumption is based on continuous safety assessments, with contingency plans in place should the situation worsen.

Passenger Impact: Millions of South Asian citizens live and work in the Middle East. The limited resumption provides critical connectivity for families, businesses, and workers dependent on these routes.

Government Coordination: Indian authorities are closely monitoring developments, working with regional counterparts to ensure safe passage and minimize disruption.

Why It Matters

The partial resumption of flights highlights India’s strategic role in global aviation and its responsibility toward citizens abroad. While the move offers immediate relief, the continued suspension of several routes underscores the fragility of air travel in conflict zones. For travelers, flexibility and vigilance remain essential until full services are restored.

Sources: The Indian Express, The Economic Times, CNA, Arab Times

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