IndiGo is scheduled to operate 10 special rescue flights from Jeddah to several Indian cities on March 3 to bring back passengers stranded in the Middle East conflict.
“IndiGo has scheduled 10 special rescue operations from Jeddah to India on March 3, 2026 to facilitate the return of stranded passengers, subject to requisite clearances and prevailing airspace conditions. IndiGo is coordinating with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to facilitate the passengers,” PTI quoted the ministry as saying in a statement.
The Civil Aviation Ministry said on Monday that it is closely monitoring the changing airspace conditions in the region and their impact on international flight operations.
Air India Express will resume flights to Muscat on Tuesday, March 3, according to Reuters. It will reportedly be the first Indian carrier to resume flights to the region after suspending services amid the crisis.
Akasa Air said its flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait and Riyadh remained suspended on Tuesday.
Emirates began operating a limited number of flights from the evening of March 2. The airline is giving priority to passengers with existing bookings and those who will be rebooked on these limited flights will be contacted directly, it said, adding that all other flights remain suspended for the time being. Emirates mentioned that it is closely monitoring the situation and will adjust the flight schedule as necessary.
Qatar Airways has suspended operations and will provide an update on March 3.
Indian Airlines canceled 357 international flights on Monday
Indian Airlines canceled 357 international flights on Monday, the third day in a row of disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
Officials told PTI that more than 300 flights, which include arrivals and departures, have been canceled at the country’s four major airports – Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai.
The closure of several Middle Eastern airspaces continued as the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran escalated.
In a post on X on Monday, the Civil Aviation Ministry said: “The situation in the Middle East region continues to be closely monitored to facilitate assistance to passengers. Due to the ongoing situation, 357 flights due to operate today have been cancelled.”
Meanwhile, Dubai authorities have advised passengers to only go to the airport if they have been directly informed, amid a “limited resumption of operations”. According to Flightradar24, at least 15 Etihad flights departed Abu Dhabi Airport on Monday to help evacuate stranded passengers. These flights operated to several destinations, including Islamabad, Paris, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Cairo and London, while scheduled commercial services remained suspended.
