The Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that Indian Airlines plans to operate approximately 50 flights from West Asia from March 9, while authorities continue to monitor the airspace situation in the region. The ministry added that airlines are modifying their operations to prioritize passenger safety and ensure smooth, orderly flight services.
Passenger Traffic from West Asia
On March 7, 51 inbound flights operated by Indian airlines arrived from West Asia, carrying a total of 8,175 passengers.
For March 8, Indian carriers, Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, planned 49 inbound flights from the region, depending on operational feasibility and prevailing conditions. These flights are scheduled from key West Asian airports, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Muscat, and Jeddah.
Government monitoring airfares, operations
The Ministry of Civil Aviation further said Indian airlines are assessing conditions at other airports in the region so that additional flights can be operated if required.
In a statement, the ministry said, “The Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia affecting air travel between India and the West Asia region.”
It added, “Airlines are undertaking necessary operational adjustments in view of the prevailing conditions to ensure passenger safety and orderly conduct of flight operations.”
The government stated that it is maintaining continuous coordination with airlines and other stakeholders amid the ongoing situation.
The ministry also said authorities are monitoring ticket prices. “Airfares are also being closely monitored to ensure that ticket prices remain reasonable and that there is no undue surge during this period.”
Indian airlines cancel 279 international flights
Indian airlines cancelled 279 international flights on Sunday, March 8, due to the Middle East conflict, while the Civil Aviation Ministry said it is closely monitoring the situation.
The escalating conflict in the Middle East involving the US, Israel and Iran has significantly disrupted flight operations due to airspace closures and restrictions.
The ministry on Sunday said that due to the ongoing situation in the Gulf, flight operations have been impacted across several sectors.
“A total of 49 flight operations were scheduled today by Indian domestic carriers from West Asia to India. As of 8 March, 279 flights scheduled to be operated today by Indian domestic carriers have been cancelled,” the ministry said in a post on X.
The 49 flights had been scheduled from various cities in the Middle East, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Muscat and Jeddah, subject to operational feasibility.
“Passenger movement data for 7th March, 2026, shows that a total of 51 inbound flights operated by Indian carriers arrived in India from the region carrying 8,175 passengers,” the ministry said in a statement.
