Mumbai News: SpiceJet will operate four special flights from the UAE on 3 March to bring back Indian nationals affected by recent airspace closures in the Middle East. The ministry stated that the operations are subject to necessary approvals and prevailing airspace conditions. IndiGo is coordinating with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to facilitate passengers. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Centre is fully prepared to evacuate Indians stranded in the Gulf region. He confirmed that the government is in contact with Indian missions abroad. Senior officials have held discussions with concerned embassies to ensure the safe return of affected citizens.
The airline said the special services will connect Fujairah with:
- Delhi
- Mumbai (two flights)
- Kochi
These additional services may continue over the next few days, depending on demand and operational clearances.
From 4 March, SpiceJet will also resume its regular flights on the following routes:
- Fujairah–Delhi
- Fujairah–Mumbai
“At a time like this, our priority is to support Indian citizens who are facing uncertainty and want to return home,” said Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet. “We are grateful to the authorities for their coordination, which has made these special flights possible. SpiceJet stands ready to operate more such services, wherever required, to assist our people.”
Dubai Airports Begin Limited Operations
Authorities in Dubai have announced a partial restart of airport operations from the evening of March 2.
Dubai Airports confirmed that a limited number of flights will depart from:
- Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
The resumption is part of a phased approach. Travellers have been strongly advised not to go to the airports unless their airline has contacted them with a confirmed departure time.
Airspace Closures Disrupt Regional Travel
Flight services across Dubai and several Middle Eastern countries were suspended earlier this week after rising tensions in the Iran–Israel conflict. The United States and Israel carried out military strikes on Iran. In response, several countries in the region, including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, closed or restricted their airspace as a safety measure.
The sudden closures disrupted operations at Dubai, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs. Hundreds of thousands of passengers were left stranded, and airlines reported widespread cancellations and delays globally.
IndiGo Plans 10 Relief Flights from Jeddah
Meanwhile, IndiGo has announced plans to operate 10 special relief flights from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to India on 3 March. According to the civil aviation ministry, the flights will connect Jeddah with:
- Hyderabad
- Mumbai
- Ahmedabad
The government has said it continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in West Asia and will take further steps if required.
