Air India and Air India Express Maintain Services
“Air India and Air India Express will continue to operate their respective scheduled services to and from Jeddah and Muscat on 9 March 2026, as the airspaces over Saudi Arabia and Oman remain open,” a spokesperson confirmed. This announcement comes as both airlines prepare to facilitate travel for passengers amidst ongoing regional developments.
On March 9, 2026, Air India will operate one round-trip flight each from Delhi and Mumbai to Jeddah, while Air India Express will provide one round-trip flight from Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kozhikode to Jeddah. Additionally, Air India Express will operate 14 flights to and from Muscat, including round-trips from Delhi, Mumbai, Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram, and Tiruchirappalli.
These operations are particularly significant as scheduled flights to and from Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh have been cancelled until March 13, 2026. Air India’s scheduled flights to and from Dammam, Doha, and Riyadh remain cancelled until March 10, 2026, highlighting the importance of the Jeddah and Muscat routes for travelers in the region.
In addition to the scheduled services, Air India and Air India Express would operate a total of 32 ad-hoc non-scheduled flights to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on March 9, 2026, to assist in bringing stranded travelers home to India. This move is part of a broader effort to support Indian nationals who have faced challenges in returning home due to the evolving situation in the Gulf region.
“These flights are being operated with the requisite permissions from the relevant Indian and local regulatory authorities,” the spokesperson added, ensuring that all necessary protocols are being followed to maintain safety and compliance.
More than 52,000 Indians travelled safely from the Gulf region to India between March 1-7, 2026, indicating a significant demand for air travel as many seek to return home. The Government of India is continuously monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, especially with regard to the welfare of Indian nationals who have been stranded there during transit or on short-duration visits.
As the situation develops, Air India and Air India Express remain committed to providing essential services to their passengers, ensuring that those in need of travel to and from Jeddah and Muscat have access to flights during this time.
