Air India & Air India Express Suspend Gulf Flights: Urgent Update Amid Middle East Crisis – Must Read!
Air India announced on Tuesday an extension of its flight suspension to various Middle Eastern destinations due to the ongoing regional tensions. The airline has stated that most flights to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Qatar are suspended until 11:59 PM IST on March 4, 2026. In a statement posted on X, Air India emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and its close monitoring of developments in the region.
Despite this suspension, Air India continues to operate a limited number of flights, prioritizing the well-being of both passengers and crew. Services to North America, the UK, and Europe remain unaffected and are operating as scheduled, using alternative airspace corridors in the Middle East to ensure safety.
In light of the disruptions, Air India has expressed regret for the inconvenience to affected travelers. The airline is committed to providing alternative travel options, including full refunds and complimentary rescheduling. Passengers are encouraged to check the latest flight status on Air India’s official website and reach out to the airline’s 24/7 customer support hotline for assistance.
Air India Express also announced on March 3 that it will maintain its scheduled flights to Muscat while suspending services to several Gulf destinations due to ongoing disruptions. The airline confirmed it will operate regular flights to and from Muscat, alongside additional services to major cities including Delhi, Kochi, and Mumbai. However, operations to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE will remain suspended until the same date as Air India.
Expressing gratitude for passengers’ patience and cooperation, Air India Express has advised travelers to check flight status updates on its official website and ensure their contact details are current for timely notifications. The airline also emphasized the use of its booking management portal to facilitate change and cancellation fee waivers. For additional support, travelers can access Tia, the airline’s AI-powered digital assistant, available 24/7.
According to additional reports, Air India Express will run scheduled flights on the Mangaluru–Muscat route. Flight IX818 departs Muscat and arrives in Mangaluru at 5:30 PM, and flight IX817 leaves Mangaluru for Muscat at 9:20 AM. This route is expected to carry 143 passengers and 4 crew members from Mangaluru, while the return flight will accommodate 162 passengers and 7 crew members.
As the situation evolves, Air India and its subsidiary, Air India Express, remain committed to safeguarding the interests of travelers while navigating the challenges posed by current regional dynamics. Passengers are urged to stay updated on flight information as Air India continues to monitor developments closely.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/air-india-air-india-express-extend-gulf-flight-suspensions-amid-middle-east-crisis-details-here-11772560764489.html
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Publish Date: 2026-03-03 23:56:00
