Air India, IndiGo Resume Limited Middle East Flights

Air India and IndiGo are operating a limited number of flights across the Middle East as airlines cautiously resume services under strict safety restrictions linked to the ongoing regional conflict.

According to updated advisories, both carriers are maintaining select routes on April 8, with operations heavily dependent on real-time security conditions, regulatory approvals, and airport slot availability. The move reflects a gradual and highly controlled return of connectivity in one of the world’s most disrupted aviation regions.

Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express said they will operate a mix of scheduled and non-scheduled services to select West Asian destinations. However, the airline emphasized that operations remain “significantly restricted” across its Middle East network, warning that flights could be adjusted, delayed, or canceled at short notice depending on evolving conditions.

IndiGo confirmed a similar approach, stating it will continue operating select flights to and from the region while prioritizing passenger and crew safety. The airline urged travelers to check flight status before heading to the airport and noted that support teams are available to assist with changes or disruptions.

Current operations indicate partial activity at major regional hubs, including Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, as well as Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and Muscat in Oman. However, several key destinations remain suspended, including Riyadh, Dammam, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Tel Aviv, reflecting ongoing airspace and security constraints.

The limited resumption underscores the fragile state of Middle East aviation, where airlines are balancing the need to restore connectivity with the risks posed by missile and drone activity, temporary airspace closures, and shifting regulatory conditions.

As the situation continues to evolve, airlines are expected to maintain flexible scheduling and contingency planning, with further adjustments likely in the coming days depending on security developments and airspace accessibility.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ndtvprofit.com