IndiGo, Air India Issue Advisories as Dubai Flight Operations Face Restrictions Amid West Asia Crisis

Several airlines have issued travel advisories after flight operations between India and the United Arab Emirates faced disruptions due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia.

Airlines such as IndiGo and Air India announced schedule changes and cancellations, particularly for flights to Dubai.

The developments come as operational restrictions at airports in the Middle East have forced airlines to modify flight schedules and reduce the number of services.

IndiGo Issues Advisory to Passengers

Low-cost airline IndiGo informed passengers through a social media update that flight operations in Dubai have been further restricted because of the evolving regional situation.

The airline asked travellers flying to or from Dubai to check their flight status before leaving for the airport, as schedules may change at short notice. IndiGo also said that customers would receive notifications to keep them informed about any updates regarding their flights.

Airlines are closely monitoring the situation and adjusting their schedules to ensure passenger safety and compliance with airport restrictions.

Air India Cancels Several Dubai Flights

India's national carrier Air India also confirmed changes to its flight operations after receiving instructions from UAE airport authorities.

According to the airline:

• Only one Delhi-Dubai return flight will operate on March 15.
• Four out of five planned Dubai flights have been cancelled.

Similarly, Air India Express, the budget airline subsidiary of Air India, has also reduced its operations.

• Only one Delhi-Dubai return flight will operate.
• Five out of six scheduled Dubai flights have been cancelled.

These changes were introduced as a precautionary measure in response to operational restrictions.

Flights to Abu Dhabi Cancelled

In Abu Dhabi, all five Air India Express flights scheduled for the day have been cancelled.
However, the airline confirmed that it will continue operating flights from Sharjah.

These flights are planned to connect several Indian cities, including:

• Delhi
• Kannur
• Kochi
• Kozhikode
• Mumbai
• Thiruvananthapuram

The airline also plans to operate services between Ras Al Khaimah and Kozhikode as well as Kochi, depending on slot availability and operational conditions.

Options for Affected Passengers

Passengers whose flights have been cancelled have been offered flexible options by the airlines.

Affected travellers can:

• Rebook their tickets for a later date without paying extra charges, or
• Request a full refund for their cancelled flights.

Airlines have apologised for the inconvenience caused and assured passengers that they are working to help stranded travellers return home as soon as possible.

Aviation Sector Impacted by Rising Fuel Costs

The flight disruptions are part of a broader impact on the aviation industry caused by the ongoing tensions in West Asia.

The crisis has also led to a sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices, increasing operational costs for airlines. As a result, several carriers including IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air have recently introduced fuel surcharges on both domestic and international flights.

Airlines say the surcharge is necessary to manage rising fuel costs while continuing to operate flights.

Passengers Advised to Stay Updated

With the situation in West Asia still evolving, airlines have advised travellers to stay updated about their flight status through airline websites, mobile apps, or official notifications.

Flight schedules may continue to change depending on developments in the region and operational conditions at Middle Eastern airports.