Dubai-Bound Flights Return Mid-Air as Iran-US Conflict Disrupts Air Travel

New Delhi: Escalating tensions between Iran and the United States have severely disrupted air travel across West Asia, forcing multiple Dubai-bound flights from India to return mid-air even as limited operations cautiously resumed on Tuesday.

Three Emirates flights headed to Dubai from Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru were compelled to turn back shortly after take-off due to continued regional airspace restrictions. One Mumbai-Dubai service managed to complete its journey after executing a mid-air reversal. Several Riyadh-bound flights from other global destinations were also diverted amid security alerts and reports of drone-related threats.

With lakhs of Indians residing in the Gulf region, uncertainty continues as airlines recalibrate schedules on a day-to-day basis depending on evolving security assessments.

Indian Carriers Launch Special Relief Flights

Amid the crisis, Indian airlines have stepped in to assist stranded passengers.

IndiGo Announces 10 Special Flights

IndiGo has scheduled 10 special flights from Jeddah to India on March 3, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and airspace clearance. Four services have already been approved, operating from Jeddah to Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad.

The airline stated that these flights are primarily for passengers previously booked on IndiGo services but unable to travel due to the conflict. IndiGo is coordinating closely with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to facilitate smooth passenger movement.

Akasa Air to Operate Select Jeddah Services

Akasa Air confirmed it will operate select Mumbai–Jeddah–Mumbai services on March 3 and 4 following a comprehensive safety review. On March 4, Ahmedabad–Jeddah return services will also operate.

However, Akasa’s flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh will remain suspended until March 4. The airline emphasised that passenger safety remains its highest priority.

SpiceJet Launches UAE Relief Services

SpiceJet will operate special evacuation flights from Fujairah beginning March 3, connecting Delhi, Mumbai (two flights), and Kochi. Regular Fujairah-Delhi and Fujairah-Mumbai services will resume from March 4.

SpiceJet Chairman Ajay Singh said assisting stranded Indian nationals remains the airline’s foremost priority.

Government Reviews Safety of Indian Diaspora

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reviewed the safety of Indians in Gulf nations. The Centre has directed all departments to take necessary measures to assist affected citizens.

Union and state governments across India have activated control rooms and helplines to assist stranded residents.

States Activate Emergency Mechanisms

• Siddaramaiah (Karnataka) flagged 109 stranded residents and sought evacuation preparedness.

• Bhagwant Mann (Punjab) announced a 24×7 helpline.

• Hemant Soren (Jharkhand) requested the Centre to open a dedicated migrant cell.

• Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra) confirmed continuous coordination with central agencies.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh authorities have advised stranded Telugu citizens to consider routing through Muscat for onward travel to Kochi, as limited Muscat-Kochi services have resumed.

Uncertainty Persists

While limited relief flights offer some respite, broader evacuation or full normalisation of services will depend on regional security conditions and the reopening of affected airspace.

With nearly a million Indians residing across West Asia, authorities continue close coordination with Indian missions abroad to ensure citizen safety. Passengers have been urged to check flight statuses before heading to airports and stay in touch with airline helplines for updates.