New Delhi, April 5: Air India Group has announced a moderate reduction in its West Asia operations, with 32 scheduled and non-scheduled flights slated for Sunday. The airline stated that the updated schedule includes 12 ad hoc services specifically targeting the United Arab Emirates, though these remain subject to real-time slot availability and regional conditions.
The carrier affirmed that these operations are being conducted with the necessary approvals from both Indian and UAE regulatory bodies. While services to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah will continue through these ad hoc arrangements, other regional hubs remain affected. Specifically, Air India declared that no flights are currently planned for Al Ain or Ras Al Khaimah.
“Flight schedules are being reviewed on an ongoing basis in coordination with the relevant authorities,” an IndiGo representative asserted, noting that they are also operating only select Middle East services on Sunday.
Network disruptions vary by country, with Air India maintaining scheduled routes to Muscat in Oman, while Salalah remains suspended. In Saudi Arabia, the airline asserted that scheduled flights will continue to Jeddah and Riyadh, though Dammam remains without service. Furthermore, all operations to Tel Aviv, Kuwait, Doha, and Bahrain continue to be suspended.
For travelers impacted by these changes, the airline stated that options for full refunds or free rebooking are available. Air India Express affirmed that passengers bound for the UAE may switch to alternative flights within its network at no additional cost. The group asserted that its long-haul services to Europe, North America, and Australia remain unaffected and are operating as per the original schedule.
