Amid rising tensions in West Asia following the war between Israel, the United States, and Iran, Air India and Air India Express will operate 48 flights to and from the region today. This includes 10 flights between Indian cities and Jeddah, and 12 flights to and from Muscat.
In a press release, Air India stated that it will operate one return service each from Delhi and Mumbai, while Air India Express will operate one flight each from Bengaluru, Kozhikode, and Mangalore. Air India Express will also operate 12 scheduled flights to and from Muscat, with one service each from Delhi, Kannur, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram and two services from Kochi.
SpiceJet is also operating special flights from Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates to India, as well as a special flight from Dubai to Pune. Qatar Airways plans flights to Indian cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kochi, to facilitate the travel of stranded Indian nationals. Gulf Air stated that some flights are operating through King Fahd International Airport in Dammam because airspace over Bahrain is closed.
Flights are taking longer alternative routes because airspace over Iran and Iraq is restricted. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has temporarily relaxed flight duty rules for Air India due to these longer flying hours.
Airlines are advising passengers to check their flight status before going to the airport, as schedules may change due to the ongoing conflict situation.