Middle East Airspace Disruptions: Indian Airlines Operate Special UAE Flights as Emirates Suspends Services Until March 7
Air travel across parts of the Middle East has been disrupted following the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran. In response, several Indian airlines are operating special flights from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to assist Indian nationals who are unable to travel due to the situation.
Airlines, including SpiceJet, Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo, have introduced additional services and travel advisories while adjusting operations to ensure passenger safety.
SpiceJet operates special flights from the UAE
SpiceJet has scheduled thirteen special flights from the UAE on March 5 to help stranded passengers return to India. Twelve of these flights will depart from Fujairah, while one flight will operate from Dubai.
The airline’s schedule includes seven flights to Mumbai, five to Delhi and one flight from Dubai to Mumbai.
This follows a similar operation carried out on March 3 and March 4, when SpiceJet operated twelve special flights connecting passengers from the UAE to Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi.
IndiGo issues travel advisory
IndiGo has also issued a travel advisory as airlines adjust to changing conditions in the region. The airline has resumed flights to several destinations, including Athens, Muscat, Jeddah and Madinah, while also operating selected repatriation services to the UAE.
IndiGo stated that the number of repatriation flights to the UAE could be increased, subject to regulatory approvals and operational conditions. Passengers have been advised to check flight status updates before travelling to the airport.
Air India and Air India Express adjust operations
Air India has resumed some flights to Dubai and Jeddah while monitoring the situation. Scheduled services from March 5 include:
Delhi – Jeddah – Delhi (AI2255 / AI2256)
Mumbai – Jeddah – Mumbai (AI2251 / AI2252 and AI2245 / AI2246)
Mumbai – Dubai – Delhi (AI909D / AI996D), operating as a special service using a Boeing 777 aircraft
The airline is also offering complimentary rescheduling or full refunds for passengers who booked flights to the Middle East, the United Kingdom and Europe on or before February 28, 2026, for travel scheduled until March 10, 2026.
Air India also addressed reports circulating on social media that suggested the airline had flown through restricted airspace in the Middle East. The airline clarified that all flight routes follow international safety guidelines and approved aviation procedures.
Air India Express has continued operating flights to and from Muscat and is running special services from Ras Al Khaimah to Delhi, Kochi and Mumbai until March 7.
Airport advisories for passengers
Airports have also issued advisories due to the evolving situation.
At Delhi Airport, westbound international flights may be delayed or have their schedules adjusted. Passengers have been advised to confirm their flight status with airlines before heading to the airport.
Dubai Airport has announced that many flights remain suspended, and travellers without confirmed bookings are advised not to come to the airport.
Emirates suspends flights until March 7
Emirates has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dubai until March 7 at 23:59 UAE time. The airline cited regional airspace closures as the reason for the suspension.
Meanwhile, Indian passengers returning from Dubai have begun arriving at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, reflecting ongoing airline efforts to bring travellers home safely amid the disruption.
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