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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Reason for Return

The flight was forced to turn back after confusion at air traffic control in Eritrea over a permit filed by IndiGo. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-9 leased from Norse Atlantic Airways, was met with approval issues by Eritrean authorities following a risk assessment.

Context of the Situation

This incident comes as IndiGo had partially resumed flights to Europe after more than a week of grounding due to airspace restrictions related to ongoing tensions in West Asia, particularly following airstrikes between U.S.-Israel and Iran. Additionally, IndiGo’s London-Mumbai flight was also diverted to Cairo for similar reasons.

IndiGo’s Response

In response to the disruption, an IndiGo spokesperson stated, “We are working with the relevant authorities to explore the possibilities of resuming the journey.” They acknowledged the challenges posed by last-minute airspace restrictions.

Looking Ahead

As of March 10, 2026, IndiGo has scheduled a departure for the diverted flight, indicating a potential return to normal operations. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding the resolution of the airspace issues that led to this disruption.

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