On March 15, Air India is operating one return flight from Delhi to Dubai, while four out of five scheduled flights to Dubai have been cancelled. Similarly, Air India Express is running one return flight from Delhi to Dubai, with five of its six planned flights to Dubai also cancelled.
On the same day, Air India Express cancelled its scheduled flights linking Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah due to instructions from UAE airport authorities. The airline stated that it had to halt ad-hoc operations to and from Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah on Sunday as a result of these directives.
All five Air India Express flights to Abu Dhabi have been called off.
For Sharjah, Air India Express intends to operate flights connecting the emirate with Delhi, Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram. The airline also plans to run flights from Ras Al Khaimah to Kozhikode and Kochi.
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Nonetheless, the airline will conduct one round trip on the Delhi–Dubai route, contingent on slot availability and existing conditions.
The airlines have indicated that flights will operate subject to slot availability and current conditions at the time of service. Passengers with bookings on cancelled or temporarily suspended services may rebook for a future date at no extra cost or choose a full refund.
The reduction in services comes in light of the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has prompted airspace restrictions and disruptions to flight operations across parts of West Asia.
This curtailment follows the airlines’ operations on March 14, when Air India and Air India Express collectively managed both scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the West Asia region, including routes to destinations like Jeddah and Muscat.
On that day, both carriers also planned additional non-scheduled flights to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, depending on slot availability and current conditions at departure points.
On Saturday, Air India and Air India Express announced their intention to operate 72 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the Middle East region on Sunday.
Both Air India and Air India Express expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and reaffirmed their commitment to returning stranded passengers home at the earliest opportunity.
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