Air India begins phased resumption of UAE, Middle East, Europe, US flights

Delhi: India’s flag carrier, Air India, has announced plans to progressively resume its flight operations to and from the Middle East starting today, June 24, with most services to the region expected to be fully reinstated from June 25.

This decision comes as airspaces in certain parts of the Middle East gradually reopen after warring nations Iran and Israel agreed to a shaky ceasefire on Tuesday.

Iran’s attack on Qatar’s Al Udeid US military base in Doha late Monday night – an act the Gulf state condemned as a flagrant violation of its sovereignty, international law, and the United Nations Charter – was immediately followed by widespread and significant impacts on commercial aviation across the Middle East and globally. Airlines and governments were forced to adapt to a rapidly changing security landscape.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the Iranian attack, expressing full solidarity with Qatar and warning that such acts undermine regional stability and violate international law. Airlines were on fresh alert late Monday night after Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait temporarily closed their airspaces.

India - UAE flight route is among the busiest air routes in the world, transporting thousands of passengers daily on both Indian and UAE carriers because of the large Indian diaspora living in the UAE. A long-term disruption of flights on this route can prove cataclysmic for airlines operating flights on this route.

The Indian national carrier also confirmed that flights to and from Europe, which were previously cancelled, are being progressively reinstated from today. Services connecting India with the U.S. and Canada's East Coast will resume at the earliest possible opportunity.

"As airspaces gradually reopen in certain parts of the Middle East, Air India will progressively resume flights to the region starting today, with most operations to and from the Middle East resuming from June 25," an Air India Spokesperson said.

Despite the resumption, the airline cautioned that some flights might still experience delays or cancellations due to consequential impacts, extended re-routings, or longer flight times. Air India emphasized its commitment to minimizing disruptions and restoring schedule integrity while affirming that it will continue to avoid any airspaces assessed as unsafe.

Air India's top priority is the safety and security of its passengers, staff, and aircraft. The airline will continue to keep passengers informed of updates and appreciate their understanding during this transitional period.