Prior to April 2026, Air India maintained a robust schedule of flights to Israel, facilitating travel for thousands of Indians. However, the ongoing conflict in the region prompted the airline to suspend all flights to Israel until May 31, 2026. This decision left approximately 40,000 Indians in Israel facing significant travel challenges.

In a decisive moment on April 6, 2026, Air India and Air India Express operated a total of 30 flights to and from the West Asia region, of which 10 were non-scheduled flights specifically to and from the United Arab Emirates. This marked a notable shift in their operational strategy, as scheduled services remained suspended at major UAE airports, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The immediate effect of this operational change has been felt by passengers booked on suspended routes. Air India has offered these travelers the option to rebook for a later date without additional charges or request a full refund, ensuring that customer service remains a priority during this tumultuous period.

Experts suggest that the introduction of non-scheduled flights to the UAE is a strategic maneuver to maintain connectivity in the region while adhering to safety protocols. “These flights are being operated with the requisite permissions from the relevant Indian and local regulatory authorities in the UAE,” an airline spokesperson noted.

Furthermore, Air India continues to operate long-haul flights to North America, Europe, and Australia as scheduled, indicating a broader strategy to keep its international operations afloat despite regional disruptions. Passengers of Air India Express can also rebook on alternative services from any UAE station to destinations in India without incurring extra fees.

In an effort to assist those affected, Air India has been proactive in reaching out to impacted guests using registered mobile numbers to provide updates and rebooking options. This approach reflects the airline’s commitment to customer care during a challenging time.

Additionally, Air India has established a 24×7 emergency helpline for Indians in Israel, while the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has initiated a large-scale registration drive for Indians in the country. This highlights the ongoing efforts to support Indian nationals amidst the evolving situation.

As air travel between India and key West Asian hubs adjusts to operational constraints, the introduction of non-scheduled flights to the UAE could be seen as a necessary adaptation to the current landscape. While the situation remains fluid, the airline’s response illustrates the complexities of navigating international travel during periods of geopolitical instability.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term implications of these operational changes, but the immediate focus remains on ensuring the safety and convenience of passengers.

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On April 6, 2026, Aloke Singh officially stepped into the role of Chief Strategy Officer at IndiGo, a significant appointment that comes on the heels of the airline’s recent operational challenges and leadership changes. This move is seen as a strategic pivot for IndiGo, particularly as it seeks to expand its international footprint.

Singh’s appointment follows the departure of IndiGo’s previous CEO, Pieter Elbers, who resigned on March 10, 2026. With over 30 years of experience in the aviation sector, Singh brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new position. Prior to joining IndiGo, he served as the Managing Director and CEO of Air India Express, where he notably oversaw the merger of AirAsia India into the airline.

IndiGo has faced significant operational disruptions, particularly in December 2025, when the airline canceled 2,507 flights and delayed an additional 1,852, affecting around 300,000 passengers. This turmoil led to a 10 percent cut in IndiGo’s winter schedule, imposed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), along with penalties totaling ₹22 crore. Singh’s appointment is seen as a crucial step in steering IndiGo back to stability and growth.

Rahul Bhatia, IndiGo’s Managing Director, expressed confidence in Singh’s capabilities, stating, “Aloke brings an exceptional blend of strategic vision and operational depth.” This sentiment underscores the importance of Singh’s role as he leads long-term strategic planning and enterprise-wide transformation initiatives at IndiGo.

Singh’s extensive background includes senior leadership roles at Air India and Oman Air, further solidifying his credentials for this pivotal position. His immediate focus will be on addressing the operational challenges that have plagued IndiGo, as well as positioning the airline for future growth in international markets. Singh himself remarked, “I look forward to contributing to IndiGo’s next phase as it expands its global ambitions,” highlighting his commitment to the airline’s strategic objectives.

The timing of Singh’s appointment is particularly critical, as IndiGo aims to recover from its recent setbacks while simultaneously pursuing opportunities for expansion. The airline’s leadership transition and Singh’s strategic vision could play a vital role in reshaping IndiGo’s future in a highly competitive aviation landscape.

As Singh takes on this new challenge, the aviation industry will be watching closely to see how his strategies unfold and whether they will successfully guide IndiGo through its current challenges and towards its ambitious goals.

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Air India and Air India Express are set to operate a total of 58 flights connecting India with West Asia, specifically targeting the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. This move comes as travel demand between these regions continues to rise, reflecting a broader recovery in international travel.

Flight Operations Details

Starting March 12, 2026, Air India will operate several key routes, including one round-trip flight from Delhi to Jeddah and two round-trip flights from Mumbai to Jeddah. Additionally, Air India Express will provide services with one round-trip from Bengaluru and one from Kozhikode to Jeddah.

In terms of connectivity to Muscat, Air India is also offering one round-trip flight from Delhi and Mumbai, along with two round-trips from Kozhikode. Both airlines will additionally operate a non-scheduled round-trip service to Riyadh from Mumbai and Kozhikode.

Extra Flights Scheduled

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, focusing on long-haul routes. This expansion is a strategic response to the growing travel needs of passengers.

IndiGo’s Resumption

In parallel, IndiGo will resume flights to nine destinations in the Middle East from March 12, 2026. This includes a commitment to maintaining flexibility for travelers, as indicated by their statement that “flight schedules may change at short notice.”

Passenger Advisory

Passengers are advised to check their flight status regularly, as schedules may be subject to change. 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.

The resumption of these flights marks a significant step in the recovery of air travel between India and the Gulf region, which has been impacted in recent years. As travel restrictions ease, airlines are ramping up their operations to meet the demand.

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On March 11, 2026, an Air India Express Boeing 737 MAX, operating flight IX 938 from Hyderabad, experienced a hard landing at Phuket International Airport. The aircraft, carrying a total of 138 people, made contact with the runway at approximately 11:25 am local time, following a departure from Hyderabad at 6:23 am.

Details of the Landing

Upon landing, the aircraft bounced once, resulting in both nose wheels detaching from the plane. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the 132 passengers and 6 crew members on board. The incident prompted immediate safety protocols to be enacted, with the aircraft being towed to the bay after passengers were safely deplaned on the runway.

Runway Closure and Flight Diversions

The runway at Phuket International Airport was closed for nearly seven hours due to the incident, leading to the diversion of 20 flights to alternative airports. Phuket International Airport issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to inform about the temporary closure.

Aircraft Maintenance and Safety Checks

The aircraft involved, registered as VT-BWQ, had its nose wheels replaced just three days prior to the incident as part of routine maintenance. Safety checks were conducted, and the runway was expected to reopen by 6 pm local time after thorough inspections.

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

Experts have weighed in on the incident, with a senior B737 captain describing it as a clear case of a hard landing, highlighting the nose wheel damage on the second touchdown. An experienced pilot added, “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 the specific causes of the hard landing, but the swift response from the crew and airport authorities has been noted as a positive aspect of the incident.

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“Air India and Air India Express will continue to operate their respective scheduled services to and from Jeddah and Muscat on 9 March 2026, as the airspaces over Saudi Arabia and Oman remain open,” stated a representative from the airline. This announcement comes as the airlines prepare to assist travelers amid ongoing regional developments.

On March 9, 2026, Air India will operate one round-trip each from Delhi and Mumbai to Jeddah, while Air India Express will manage one round-trip each from Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kozhikode to the same destination. Additionally, Air India Express is set to operate 14 flights to and from Muscat, ensuring that connectivity between these key locations is maintained.

In light of the current situation, Air India is also expanding its services with additional non-scheduled flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Dubai. These flights are being operated with the requisite permissions from the relevant Indian and local regulatory authorities, ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations.

Furthermore, Air India Express will operate a total of 32 ad-hoc non-scheduled flights to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on March 9, 2026, aimed at assisting stranded travelers in returning home to India. The Ministry of External Affairs has reported that over 52,000 Indians traveled safely from the Gulf region to India between March 1-7, 2026, highlighting the ongoing efforts to facilitate safe travel.

Scheduled flights of Air India Express to and from Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh have been canceled until March 13, while Air India’s scheduled flights to and from Dammam, Doha, and Riyadh remain canceled until March 10. This cancellation reflects the airlines’ response to the evolving situation in the region.

A dedicated special control room has been established to monitor and respond to queries from affected travelers, providing essential support during this time. The Government of India is continuously monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, especially regarding the welfare of Indian nationals who have been stranded there during transit or on short-duration visits.

As the situation develops, Air India and Air India Express remain committed to providing necessary services and ensuring the safety of their passengers. Details remain unconfirmed regarding future flight schedules and additional routes, but the airlines are poised to adapt as needed.

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