Indian airlines are set to operate 58 flights on March 4, 2026, as they navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing crisis in West Asia. The government announced that airlines have made calibrated adjustments to their schedules to accommodate the situation.
Special arrangements have been put in place for stranded passengers, with airlines deploying additional capacity and coordinating with foreign aviation authorities and Indian missions abroad. As of March 3, Indian carriers have operated 24 flights, while Emirates and Etihad have conducted 9 flights from the Gulf region in the last 24 hours, according to the Civil Aviation Ministry.
The Ministry is closely monitoring airfares to prevent any unreasonable increases during this period. Indian carriers have adjusted their schedules, progressively resuming long-haul operations through alternative routes to avoid restricted airspace.
On March 4, IndiGo plans to operate 30 flights, while Air India and Air India Express will manage 23 flights. Foreign carriers are also conducting limited operations between India and the Gulf, subject to airspace restrictions.
The crisis in West Asia, involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, has significantly disrupted flight operations, with some airspaces closed. Since February 28, 1,221 flights by Indian carriers and 388 by foreign carriers have been canceled. The Ministry remains vigilant, coordinating with airlines and authorities to ensure safe operations and passenger facilitation.
SpiceJet is providing special flights from Fujairah to Delhi, Mumbai, and Kochi, supporting Indian nationals returning home. Meanwhile, Air India Express will continue flights to and from Muscat, with additional flights to Delhi, Kochi, and Mumbai on March 4.
Flights to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE remain suspended until 23:59 IST on March 4, as Air India extends its suspension of most flights to these regions. The Ministry continues to work with stakeholders to restore services and assist affected passengers.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 4th, 2026
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