New Delhi: Air India and its budget subsidiary have announced plans to run a combined total of 58 flights to and from West Asian destinations on Wednesday, even as heightened tensions in the region continue to disrupt aviation operations.
In a statement, Air India said it and its low-cost arm Air India Express would operate both regular and special flights while carefully navigating the changing airspace situation across the Middle East.
Airlines around the world have been adjusting schedules due to the ongoing conflict involving United States, Israel and Iran, which has resulted in certain airspace closures and restrictions.
Scheduled services continue
The airline group confirmed that its normal flight services to Jeddah and Muscat will continue. Air India will operate eight flights connecting Indian cities with Jeddah, including round-trip services from Delhi and Mumbai.
Meanwhile, Air India Express will run 14 scheduled flights to and from Muscat. These include connections from cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram and Tiruchirappalli, along with two round-trip services from Kochi.
The airline’s budget arm will also operate round-trip flights linking Hyderabad and Kozhikode with Jeddah.
Additional flights to UAE
Apart from the scheduled services, the airlines plan to operate 36 additional charter or ad-hoc flights connecting India with the United Arab Emirates.
Officials said these extra flights will depend on slot availability and operational conditions at departure airports.
The carriers noted that all services are being conducted after obtaining necessary approvals from Indian and international aviation authorities.
Despite the tense security situation in the region, airlines are continuing limited operations to maintain connectivity for passengers while closely monitoring developments affecting flight safety and air routes.
