Indian carriers announce adjusted operations to Dubai, Jeddah and Abu Dhabi amid regional disruptions, urging passengers to confirm bookings before heading to the airport.
Two of India’s largest airlines, Air India and IndiGo, have issued travel advisories for flights operating to and from the West Asia region on 7 April 2026, outlining revised schedules and passenger rebooking options as disruptions continue to affect air travel across the Middle East.
Air India and Air India Express to Run 32 Flights to West Asia on 7 April
Air India and its low-cost subsidiary Air India Express will together operate 32 flights — both scheduled and non-scheduled — connecting India with the West Asia region on the day. Among these, 16 are non-scheduled services to and from the United Arab Emirates, cleared with the requisite permissions from Indian and UAE regulatory authorities, though they remain subject to slot availability and prevailing conditions at departure stations.
| Country | Airport | Scheduled Operations | Ad Hoc Operations | Operating Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAE | Dubai | No | Yes | Air India – Delhi |
| Air India Express – Mangalore | ||||
| Abu Dhabi | No | Yes | Air India Express – Delhi, Kochi, Mangalore, Mumbai | |
| Ras Al Khaimah | No | Yes | __ | |
| Sharjah | No | Yes | Air India Express – Amritsar, Kannur | |
| Al Ain | No | No | __ | |
| Oman | Muscat | Yes | No | Air India Express – Delhi, Mumbai |
| Salalah | No | No | __ | |
| Saudi Arabia | Jeddah | Yes | No | Air India – Mumbai |
| Air India Express – Hyderabad, Kannur, Kozhikode | ||||
| Riyadh | Yes | No | Air India – Delhi | |
| Air India Express – Kozhikode | ||||
| Dammam | No | No | __ | |
| Bahrain | Bahrain | No | No | __ |
| Qatar | Doha | No | No | __ |
| Kuwait | Kuwait | No | No | __ |
| Israel | Tel Aviv | No | No | __ |
Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah: Ad Hoc Flights Replace Regular Schedule
Scheduled services to the UAE have been temporarily suspended, with airlines substituting ad hoc operations across key airports. Air India is running an additional Delhi–Dubai sector, while Air India Express is covering routes from Mangalore to Dubai, and from Delhi, Kochi, Mangalore and Mumbai to Abu Dhabi. Sharjah will see Air India Express flights operating from Amritsar and Kannur. No operations have been listed for Ras Al Khaimah or Al Ain at this time.
Muscat, Jeddah and Riyadh Scheduled Services Continue as Normal
Not all regional routes have been affected. Scheduled services to Oman and Saudi Arabia remain intact. Air India Express is maintaining its Muscat connections from Delhi and Mumbai, whilst Air India continues its Jeddah service from Mumbai alongside Air India Express flights from Hyderabad, Kannur and Kozhikode. Riyadh remains served by Air India from Delhi and by Air India Express from Kozhikode.
Intercontinental routes — including Air India flights to and from North America, Europe and Australia — are operating as per their original timetables.
How Affected Air India Passengers Can Rebook or Claim Refunds
Passengers booked on suspended routes have been offered two options: rebook to a future date at no additional cost, or request a full refund. Air India has directed customers to process these requests through its website at airindia.com, or by reaching its round-the-clock support line at +91 1169329333 or +91 1169329999.
Air India Express passengers travelling from UAE stations can rebook onto the airline’s additional commercial flights operating between the UAE and various Indian destinations without incurring extra charges. The airline’s AI-powered digital assistant, Tia, is also available to facilitate rebooking via WhatsApp at +91 63600 12345.
Both airlines have said they are proactively contacting affected passengers through registered mobile numbers and have urged travellers to ensure their contact details are current and up to date in airline records.
IndiGo to Operate Select Middle East Flights on 7 April With Caution
IndiGo has separately advised that it plans to run select flights to and from the Middle East on 7 April, though it has stopped short of committing to a fixed schedule. The carrier noted that flight movements are being closely monitored and that timetables may be adjusted in line with guidance from regulatory authorities.
“The safety and well-being of our customers and crew remain pivotal,” the airline said in its advisory, adding that any changes would be communicated to passengers through their registered contact details. Travellers have been urged to verify their flight status before proceeding to the airport and to reach out to IndiGo’s customer support centre if assistance is required.
Key Contacts for Passengers Affected by Middle East Flight Disruptions
Travellers with bookings on affected routes are advised to act promptly. Air India’s helpline operates around the clock, and online rebooking is available via the airline’s official website. IndiGo passengers are similarly encouraged to monitor communications from the carrier and check flight status in advance of travel.
