Airspace chaos in West Asia: Indian carriers plan 50 flights to India today

Indian carriers are planning to operate around 50 flights on Monday from West Asia to India as authorities closely monitor the evolving airspace situation in the region amid the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation said airlines are making operational adjustments to ensure passenger safety and maintain orderly flight operations as the conflict continues to disrupt air travel.

“Indian carriers are planning 50 flights for 9th March 2026,” the ministry said in a statement late Sunday.

It added that airlines are continuously assessing conditions at airports across the region to operate additional services if feasible.

“The Ministry remains in constant coordination with airlines and other stakeholders,” the release said. “Airfares are also being closely monitored to ensure that ticket prices remain reasonable and that there is no undue surge during this period.”

Passenger traffic data showed that on March 7, a total of 51 inbound flights operated by Indian carriers arrived in India from West Asia carrying 8,175 passengers.

Indian airlines had planned 49 inbound flights on March 8 from airports including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Muscat and Jeddah, subject to operational feasibility and prevailing conditions.

Meanwhile, Air India and Air India Express said they will continue operating scheduled services to and from Jeddah and Muscat on Monday as the airspaces over Saudi Arabia and Oman remain open.

The two airlines will operate 10 flights to and from Jeddah, while Air India Express will run 14 flights connecting Muscat with several Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.

Air India and Air India Express also plan to operate 32 ad-hoc non-scheduled flights to the United Arab Emirates on Monday to help bring stranded travellers back to India, subject to slot availability and regulatory approvals.

Air India will operate 10 such flights to and from Dubai, while Air India Express will run additional services to Dubai as well as Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.

The move comes after widespread disruption to flight operations on Sunday due to the escalating conflict in West Asia, which has led to airspace closures and restrictions across parts of the region.

Indian airlines cancelled 279 international flights on Sunday amid the situation.

As many as 66 flights, including 34 departures and 32 arrivals, were cancelled at Mumbai airport, on Sunday.

Delhi airport operator DIAL also warned that some west-bound international flights may face delays or schedule changes due to the ongoing geopolitical developments in the Middle East.