India’s aviation response to West Asia conflict: 50 flights planned, more capacity added

As the conflict involving Iran continues to affect regional air travel, the Civil Aviation Ministry of India is closely monitoring the evolving situation and coordinating with airlines to ensure safe and orderly flight operations between India and the affected areas.

The ministry said airlines are making necessary operational adjustments in response to the situation to maintain passenger safety and ensure smooth flight operations.

Advertisement

Airlines making operational adjustments

Indian carriers have scheduled approximately 50 inbound flights from airports across West Asia on Monday, subject to operational feasibility and prevailing conditions.

Airlines including Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air are operating flights from several key West Asian hubs, such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Muscat and Jeddah.

Authorities are also monitoring airfares closely to ensure ticket prices remain reasonable and to prevent any sudden surge in fares during the ongoing disruptions.

Key operational data

• March 9: 50 inbound flights planned from West Asia to India
• March 8: 49 inbound flights arrived in India from affected areas
• March 7: 51 inbound flights were operated with 8,175 passengers

Passengers have been advised to remain in contact with their respective airlines for updates on flight schedules as the situation evolves.

AI to operate 32 ad-hoc non-scheduled flights to UAE

In addition to the scheduled services, Air India and Air India Express would operate a total of 32 ad-hoc non-scheduled flights to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today to assist in bringing stranded travellers home to India, subject to the availability of slots and other prevailing conditions at the respective point of departure at the time. These flights are being operated with the requisite permissions from the relevant Indian and local regulatory authorities.

Also, Air India has announced that it will operate additional flights to five key gateways in Europe, as well as to New York between March 10 and March 18, 2026, to support passengers affected by disruptions in West Asia. Below are the additional capacity details:

• 78 extra flights
• 9 international routes covered
• 17,660 additional seats in both directions

The airline will add capacity on routes connecting India with major global destinations, including New York (JFK), London (Heathrow), Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, Zurich, Colombo, and Malé.