REGULATORY · MARKET STRUCTURE · MIDDLE EAST
Airlines resume India–West Asia flights
Change
India–West Asia carriers resumed and adjusted services on March 18–19; IndiGo restarted Dubai flights from 1600 local time on March 18, Air India operated 48 West Asia flights on March 19, and SpiceJet added services.
Why it matters
IndiGo restarted flights to and from Dubai from 1600 local time on March 18 and listed scheduled services for March 19 as subject to safety conditions and regulatory approvals. Air India operated 48 scheduled and non‑scheduled flights to and from the West Asia region on March 19, while Air India Express increased services. SpiceJet operated over 100 flights and planned additional services between the UAE and India in the following days. Bahrain airspace remained closed, prompting temporary routings via Dammam for some commercial flights; airports limited terminal access to passengers with confirmed bookings and carriers set arrival-window advisories such as not arriving earlier than four hours before departure.
Implications
- · Some commercial flights were routed via Dammam due to Bahrain airspace closure.
- · Airports restricted terminal access to passengers with confirmed bookings.
- · Carriers required passengers to check flight status and adhere to specified arrival windows (e.g., no earlier than four hours before departure).
- · Certain scheduled services operated subject to safety conditions and regulatory approvals.
Who is affected
- · Passengers travelling between India and West Asia
- · Airline operations and scheduling teams
- · Airport ground and check‑in staff
- · Air traffic control and regulatory authorities
What to watch
- · IndiGo services restarted from 1600 local time on March 18
- · Air India operating 48 scheduled and non‑scheduled West Asia flights on March 19
Source
Topics
Law & Public Safety Regulatory Actions Business & Markets Supply Chain & Logistics Aerospace & Defense