UAE-India travel: Air India Group runs 42 West Asia flights amid disruptions
Ad-hoc services launched from four airports for stranded travellers
DUBAI – Air India and Air India Express have confirmed a combined 42 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from West Asia on April 4, 2026.
The move comes as airlines recalibrate operations following regional airspace challenges, with UAE airports continuing to function under adjusted schedules.
A significant portion of these services includes additional flights aimed at easing passenger movement between the UAE and key Indian cities.
Flight boost
Out of the total operations, 26 non-scheduled flights are being deployed specifically to and from the UAE, covering major hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah. These services remain subject to slot availability and operational approvals at departure points.
#ImportantUpdate
— Air India (@airindia) April 3, 2026
Air India and Air India Express will together operate 42 scheduled and non-scheduled flights, to and from the West Asia region on 04 April 2026.
Read more: https://t.co/J9eZa8kmjW
Key Indian destinations on these routes include Delhi, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangalore, Mumbai, Lucknow, Amritsar, Kannur and Tiruchirappalli. The airlines confirmed that all flights are operating with the necessary permissions from both Indian and regional authorities.
Across the wider West Asia network, scheduled services are continuing from Muscat to Delhi and Mumbai, as well as from Jeddah and Riyadh. No operations have been listed for Salalah and Dammam, while Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Israel remain outside the current flight plan for April 4.
Airport status
Airports across the UAE remained operational on Saturday, although flight schedules were reduced as airlines adjusted rotations. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports continued to process passengers, with visible disruptions linked to ongoing airspace constraints.
Dubai Airports reported active but fluid operations, advising travellers to avoid heading to terminals unless their flights were confirmed by airlines. Carriers including Emirates had earlier announced reduced schedules, while extending flexibility for affected passengers through rebooking and refund waivers valid until April 30.
Passenger options
Air India and Air India Express have introduced flexible options for travellers impacted by temporary suspensions. Passengers can rebook flights without additional charges or opt for full refunds through official channels.
Rebooking for Air India services is available via its website or customer service helplines, while Air India Express passengers departing from the UAE can access additional ad-hoc flights or use the airline’s AI assistant on WhatsApp for support.
The airlines confirmed they are proactively contacting affected passengers using registered mobile numbers, urging travellers to ensure their contact details are updated to receive timely notifications.
Meanwhile, carriers such as flydubai have warned of extended travel durations due to temporary rerouting on select sectors, with operational adjustments continuing in response to evolving airspace availability and crew duty regulations.