UAE airspace update: Alternative routes for stranded Indian passengers to return home

Dubai: Indian passengers stranded in the UAE whose flights remain cancelled and who do not have confirmed departures can consider alternative travel routes to return home.

While regional airspace closures remain in place, the UAE has announced a limited resumption of flights. Safe air corridors have been opened in coordination with Gulf countries, with a current handling capacity of 48 flights per hour. Here is a breakdown on the available options.

Bus transfer from Sharjah to Muscat for onward flights

Bus transfers from Sharjah to Muscat are currently being arranged for stranded travellers in the UAE by SalamAir and Oman Air.

Both airlines announced on their official X accounts that bus transfers will operate from Sharjah’s Jubail Bus Station to Muscat International Airport until March 5, 2026.

Passengers are advised to contact SalamAir and Oman Air directly for queries and clarifications, and to visit the airlines’ official websites for further details. The bus transfer arrangements are being handled by two travel agencies: Musafir.com and Sharjah National Travel and Tourist Agency.

Services will run:

• Morning: 9am to 5pm

• Evening: 8pm to 10.30pm

Passengers must book their flight tickets in advance through either SalamAir or Oman Air. The service is available only to visitors eligible for visa on arrival in Oman. Travellers must ensure they meet Oman’s entry requirements before booking.

Passengers are required to arrive at the designated Sharjah station 30 minutes before bus departure. Bus tickets must be purchased in advance, as they will not be available at Muwasalat Al Jubail Bus Station.

The bus service is operated by Muwasalat. Tickets can be purchased through travel agency offices or via mwasalat.om.

Visa requirements for Indians travelling via Oman

To use the bus transfer service and book a flight to India from Muscat International Airport, Indian nationals must meet Oman’s visa requirements.

1. e-Visa (prior application required) - Travellers must apply in advance for a Visit or Tourist visa through authorised travel agents on the Royal Oman Police website: evisa.rop.gov.om

2. Visa on arrival - Visa on arrival is available to Indian passport holders who hold a valid visa or residence permit from the USA, UK, Canada, Japan or Schengen countries. They may enter Oman for up to 14 days without a pre-arranged visa, provided they have - a return ticket, hotel booking and health insurance

Indian citizens residing in GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) and holding valid resident cards are also eligible for visa on arrival. Passports must be valid for at least six months when applying for a visa.

Flights from Fujairah International Airport

SpiceJet is operating special flights from Fujairah International Airport to Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi to support Indian passengers returning home.

These flights will operate until March 5. Travellers must arrange tickets in advance and contact the airline’s 24/7 hotline for assistance.

Fujairah International Airport has partnered with SalamAir to operate special charter flights to support travellers seeking to return home amid ongoing regional tensions.

The charter service will operate on March 5, 2026, with a stopover in Muscat. From there, passengers can continue their journeys to five destinations: Calicut, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Istanbul and Karachi.

For emergency queries, Indian nationals in the UAE can contact:

• Toll-free number: 800-46342

• WhatsApp: +971 543 090571

• Email: pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in

• Email: ca.abudhabi@mea.gov.in

Passengers are advised to check directly with airlines and authorities for the latest updates before making travel arrangements.

From Ras Al Khaimah and Muscat

Air India Express has announced that it is operating special flights from Ras Al Khaimah, with connections to Delhi, Kochi and Mumbai, until March 7.

The airline also confirmed that it will continue operating its scheduled flights to and from Muscat on March 5, 2026. These services connect Muscat with Delhi, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, Mumbai and Tiruchirappalli.

In addition, Air India Express has added extra flights between Muscat and Delhi, as well as Muscat and Mumbai, operating until March 7, 2026.