Prior to April 6, 2026, Air India maintained a regular schedule for flights to Israel and the UAE. However, the ongoing conflict in West Asia prompted the airline to suspend all flights to Israel until the end of May 2026. This suspension left many passengers stranded, particularly affecting the approximately 40,000 Indians in Israel.

In response to the operational challenges, Air India and Air India Express operated a total of 30 flights to and from the West Asia region on April 6, 2026. Notably, 10 of these flights were designated as non-scheduled flights to and from the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant shift in their operational strategy.

Despite the suspension of scheduled operations at major UAE airports, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah, Air India is continuing its long-haul flights to North America, Europe, and Australia as scheduled. This dual approach allows the airline to maintain some level of service amidst the disruptions.

Passengers who were booked on suspended routes have been given the option to rebook for a later date without incurring additional charges or to request a full refund. Air India has also been proactive in reaching out to affected passengers using registered mobile numbers to provide updates and rebooking options.

“These flights are being operated with the requisite permissions from the relevant Indian and local regulatory authorities in the UAE,” a spokesperson noted, emphasizing the compliance with regulatory requirements. This operational flexibility is crucial as air travel between India and key West Asian hubs adapts to evolving constraints.

Furthermore, Air India Express has extended its services, allowing passengers to rebook on alternative flights from any UAE station to destinations in India without additional charges. This is part of the airline’s effort to mitigate the impact of the flight suspensions.

In addition to these measures, Air India has established a 24×7 emergency helpline for Indians in Israel, and the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has initiated a large-scale registration drive to assist its citizens.

As the situation continues to evolve, Air India remains committed to providing support to its passengers. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term implications of these operational changes.

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As instability continues to disrupt flight schedules across the Middle East, Air India Express and its parent company, Air India, have confirmed that they will operate a total of 34 flights to and from the West Asia region on April 2, 2026. This decision underscores the airlines’ commitment to maintaining connectivity despite the challenging circumstances.

Among the 34 flights, 18 will be non-scheduled services specifically targeting routes linked to the UAE, which includes major cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. This operational strategy aims to provide essential travel options for passengers affected by the ongoing disruptions.

In a recent statement, Air India emphasized that its long-haul network remains stable, ensuring that travelers can rely on their services even amidst the turbulence in the region. Passengers whose flights have been canceled or temporarily suspended are being offered flexibility to rebook or opt for a full refund, a move that reflects the airlines’ focus on customer service during these unpredictable times.

Air India Express has also launched a direct flight service between Pune and Abu Dhabi, expanding its reach and providing more options for travelers. This new route is part of a broader strategy to enhance connectivity between India and the UAE, which remains a vital hub for many Indian expatriates.

IndiGo, another major player in the Indian aviation sector, has scheduled 30 flights across its Middle East network on the same day, further contributing to the operational landscape in the region. An IndiGo spokesperson highlighted the importance of staying informed, urging customers to regularly check their flight status due to the dynamic situation affecting schedules.

For Air India Express passengers, the airline has made it easier to manage travel plans by allowing rebooking without additional charges on commercial flights operating from any UAE station to any destination in India. This initiative is designed to alleviate the stress of travel disruptions and provide a seamless experience for those affected.

As airlines navigate the complexities of operating in a volatile environment, the focus remains on ensuring passenger safety and convenience. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how long these operational adjustments will last, but the situation continues to evolve as airlines respond to the ongoing challenges in the region.

With the Middle East’s instability impacting air travel, both Air India and IndiGo are taking proactive measures to maintain their services while prioritizing passenger needs. The situation remains fluid, and travelers are advised to stay updated on their flight statuses as developments unfold.

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In early April 2026, IndiGo announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Aloke Singh as its Chief Strategy Officer, effective April 6. This decision comes in the wake of the resignation of the airline’s previous CEO, Pieter Elbers, who stepped down on March 10, 2026. Singh’s extensive experience in the aviation sector, spanning over three decades, positions him as a key figure in steering IndiGo towards recovery and growth.

Before joining IndiGo, Singh served as the Managing Director and CEO of Air India Express, where he notably oversaw the merger of AirAsia India into the airline. His tenure at Air India Express was marked by strategic initiatives that aimed to enhance operational efficiency and market reach. Singh’s background also includes senior leadership roles at Air India and Oman Air, further solidifying his credentials in the aviation industry.

Singh’s appointment is particularly timely as IndiGo is navigating through a challenging phase following its worst operational disruption in December 2025, which resulted in the cancellation of 2,507 flights and delays affecting 1,852 flights. The disruption impacted approximately 300,000 passengers and led to a 10 percent cut in IndiGo’s winter schedule, imposed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Furthermore, the airline faced penalties amounting to ₹22 crore due to these operational issues.

In his new role, Singh will lead long-term strategic planning and enterprise-wide transformation initiatives at IndiGo. He will report directly to Managing Director Rahul Bhatia until a new CEO is appointed. Bhatia expressed confidence in Singh’s capabilities, stating, “Aloke brings an exceptional blend of strategic vision and operational depth,” highlighting the importance of Singh’s leadership during this pivotal moment for the airline.

Singh himself expressed enthusiasm about his new position, stating, “I am delighted to join IndiGo at such a pivotal moment for the airline,” and added, “I look forward to contributing to IndiGo’s next phase as it expands its global ambitions.” His vision for the airline aligns with IndiGo’s objectives to enhance its international presence and recover from recent setbacks.

The current state of IndiGo reflects a critical juncture in its operational history. With Singh at the helm of strategic initiatives, the airline aims to stabilize its operations and regain passenger confidence. His leadership is expected to play a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by the recent disruptions and in steering the airline towards a successful recovery.

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, Singh’s appointment is seen as a strategic move for IndiGo, which is looking to expand its footprint in the international market. The coming months will be vital for Singh and IndiGo as they work together to navigate the complexities of the aviation landscape and implement necessary changes to enhance operational efficiency.

In summary, Aloke Singh’s appointment as Chief Strategy Officer of IndiGo marks a significant step for the airline as it seeks to recover from operational challenges and pursue ambitious growth plans. With his extensive experience and strategic vision, Singh is poised to lead IndiGo into its next phase of development.

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Air India and Air India Express are resuming their flight services to West Asia, with a total of 58 flights linking India with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. This significant increase in connectivity comes as travel demand between these regions is on the rise.

Starting March 12, 2026, IndiGo will also resume flights to nine destinations in the Middle East, further enhancing travel options for passengers. Air India is currently operating one round-trip flight from Delhi to Jeddah and two round-trip flights from Mumbai to Jeddah.

In addition to these services, Air India Express is providing one round-trip from Bengaluru to Jeddah and another from Kozhikode to Jeddah. Furthermore, Air India is operating one round-trip flight from Delhi to Muscat and one from Mumbai to Muscat, along with two round-trips from Kozhikode to Muscat.

Both airlines are also offering a non-scheduled round-trip service to Riyadh from Mumbai and Kozhikode. This expansion reflects the airlines’ commitment to meeting the growing travel needs of passengers.

To accommodate the expected increase in passenger traffic, Air India and Air India Express have scheduled 78 extra flights between March 10 and March 18, 2026, specifically on long-haul routes. This strategic move aims to provide more flexibility and options for travelers during this busy period.

Passengers are advised to check their flight status regularly, as schedules may change. IndiGo has noted, “Flight schedules may change at short notice,” emphasizing the need for travelers to stay informed.

Air India Express has also announced that guests traveling to and from the Gulf region to India are eligible for a free date change or cancellation for travel scheduled until March 31, 2026. This policy is designed to provide additional convenience and assurance to travelers amid the evolving travel landscape.

As the situation develops, further updates on flight schedules and services are anticipated. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional routes or changes that may be implemented in the coming weeks.

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An Air India Express Boeing 737 MAX, carrying 138 people, made a hard landing at Phuket International Airport on March 11, 2026. The flight, IX 938, had departed from Hyderabad at 6:23 am and landed at 11:25 am local time.

Details of the Incident

Upon landing, the aircraft bounced once, resulting in the detachment of both nose wheels. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the six crew members and 132 passengers on board.

Following the incident, Phuket International Airport closed its runway for nearly seven hours, leading to the diversion of 20 flights to other airports. The closure was necessary to conduct safety checks and manage the situation effectively.

Response and Recovery

The aircraft was towed to the bay after passengers were safely deplaned on the runway. The nose wheels had been replaced just three days prior, on March 8, 2026, as part of routine maintenance.

Phuket International Airport issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to inform about the temporary runway closure. The runway was expected to reopen by 6 pm local time after thorough safety assessments.

Official Statements

An Air India Express spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating, “We confirm that our Hyderabad-Phuket flight on March 11 experienced an issue with the nose wheel at Phuket Airport.” An official statement from AI Express noted, “The nose wheels have been installed on the aircraft involved in the incident at Phuket Airport, allowing normal airport operations to resume.”

Expert Insights

According to a senior B737 captain, “It’s a clear case of a hard landing, with nose wheel damage on the second touchdown.” An experienced pilot added that “Phuket is a tricky place to land if the winds are strong and thermals during hot afternoon time which is usually the case there.”

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further investigations or measures that may be taken following this incident.

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