The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Thursday said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia and its impact on air connectivity between India and several destinations in the region, as airlines have started restoring some operations affected by the US-Israeli strike on Iran.
Flights to and from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia have resumed from March 12, marking a major step in restoring vital air connectivity between India and the Gulf, according to a press release.
On the first day of operations, Air India and IndiGo operated three flights to Mumbai, while Air India Express operated one service to Calicut, reflecting the phased resumption strategy.
Between February 28 and March 11, more than 1.5 lakh passengers (1,50,457) traveled from the Gulf countries to India, confirming the importance of these routes for Indian travellers.
To maintain connectivity across the region, Indian airlines have scheduled 57 inbound flights in March 2026 from cities including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, Jeddah, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Riyadh and Sharjah, although operations remain subject to prevailing conditions and operational feasibility.
The Ministry is coordinating closely with airlines and other concerned parties to ensure smooth passenger movement, while also monitoring ticket prices to prevent any unjustified increase during this period. Passengers are advised to stay in touch with their airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules and travel arrangements.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that it will continue to review the situation in West Asia and provide further updates as needed, reflecting ongoing efforts to safely manage air travel amid regional uncertainty.
