UAE flight restrictions: Air India, IndiGo cancel, reschedule services

Indian airlines Air India and IndiGo faced significant disruptions to their flight operations to the United Arab Emirates on March 15, 2026. This was a direct result of fresh operational restrictions imposed by UAE airport authorities, compelled by the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. These restrictions led to the cancellation and rescheduling of numerous flights, impacting services to major UAE hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express significantly curtailed their ad-hoc operations for March 15. Specifically, Air India operated only one round-trip flight on the Delhi-Dubai sector, cancelling four of its five planned Dubai flights. Air India Express also operated a single Delhi-Dubai round trip, cancelling five of its six scheduled Dubai flights. Operations to Abu Dhabi were more severely affected, with Air India Express cancelling all five of its scheduled services to the UAE capital. However, some operations to other emirates, such as Sharjah, were planned to continue from various Indian cities. Flights between Ras Al Khaimah and the Kerala cities of Kozhikode and Kochi were also expected to operate, subject to slot availability and prevailing conditions. IndiGo also announced changes to its flight schedules due to the evolving situation in the Middle East and the restrictions imposed at Dubai airport. The airline confirmed that operations to and from Dubai were affected, and advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. IndiGo stated that it remains in close coordination with relevant authorities and is working to progressively rebuild its flight network across the Middle East and select European routes while monitoring the regional situation. The disruptions come as airlines continue to monitor the evolving situation in the region, with schedules likely to be adjusted depending on airport instructions and operational conditions. The broader conflict has also led to increased aviation turbine fuel prices, pushing up operating costs for airlines. This situation has prompted some airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, to introduce fuel surcharges on domestic and international routes. Several sources confirm that the cancellations and curtailments were directly instructed by UAE airport authorities. For instance, Air India and Air India Express stated that they were "compelled to curtail their ad-hoc operations for 15 March 2026" following these instructions. Passengers affected by cancellations or temporary suspensions were offered options to rebook their travel for a future date without additional charges or opt for a full refund. Airlines expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and reiterated their commitment to bringing stranded passengers home safely and at the earliest opportunity. The underlying cause for these widespread disruptions is the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have led to airspace closures and operational restrictions. This situation has affected not only India-UAE routes but also broader regional and global travel, with many international carriers also adjusting their schedules or suspending services. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) affirmed that airspace closures were extraordinary precautionary measures aimed at ensuring the safety of flights and aircrews. Credible sources such as Gulf News, The Times of India, The Economic Times, and The News Minute corroborate the events, providing detailed accounts of the flight cancellations and rescheduling by Air India and IndiGo. The information regarding the specific number of flights cancelled, the affected routes, and the airlines' advisories to passengers is consistent across these reputable news outlets. The news is specifically relevant to India due to the large number of Indian expatriates living in the UAE and the significant volume of air travel between the two countries. The disruptions directly impact these travellers, as well as the airlines operating these routes. The situation highlights the interconnectedness of global aviation and the sensitivity of flight operations to geopolitical events in critical regions. The reports indicate that these disruptions were ongoing for several days prior to March 15, with initial widespread cancellations occurring around late February and early March due to the conflict escalation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read Full Story on Quick Digest