IndiGo Resumes Limited Flights Amid Gulf Disruptions; Emirates, Etihad & Qatar Suspend Services

Updated: March 06, 2026 01:03

Image Source: Indian Express

Air travel in the Middle East remains severely disrupted due to ongoing airspace closures linked to the Iran–Israel conflict. While IndiGo has resumed limited flights, major Gulf carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways remain suspended. Indian airlines are focusing on repatriation and restricted services to assist stranded passengers.

The Middle East continues to face major air travel disruptions as regional airspace closures impact international carriers. According to India Today, The Economic Times, and The Week, leading Gulf airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways have suspended operations, leaving thousands of passengers stranded across multiple destinations.

Indian carriers have stepped in to provide limited relief. IndiGo has resumed select services, including flights to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, while Air India Express continues operations to Muscat, Oman. Budget airline Akasa Air has also announced restricted flights to Jeddah.

Despite these efforts, services to and from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE remain suspended. Authorities have urged passengers to check flight status before departure, as schedules are subject to rapid changes depending on evolving airspace restrictions.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE has permitted limited emergency corridors, enabling restricted operations at UAE airports. However, uncertainty persists, and a full resumption of services has not yet been announced.

Major Takeaways

IndiGo resumes limited flights, including services to Jeddah
Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways remain suspended due to airspace closures
Air India Express continues flights to Muscat; Akasa Air adds limited Jeddah services
Services to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE remain suspended
UAE GCAA allows restricted emergency corridors for limited operations
Passengers advised to check flight status before departure due to uncertainty

Conclusion

The resumption of limited flights by IndiGo and other Indian carriers offers some relief to stranded passengers, but the suspension of major Gulf airlines underscores the scale of disruption. With the Iran–Israel conflict continuing to affect regional airspace, travelers should remain cautious, verify schedules, and prepare for potential delays until stability returns.

Sources: India Today, The Economic Times, The Week, Gulf Today

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