With regional tensions intensifying and no peace in sight for the Iran vs US-Israel war, the Middle Eastern airspace has been in a consistent state of uncertainty. While flights to and from the region have resumed, changes in schedules have been consistent.
IndiGo issues travel advisory
Recently, Indian carrier IndiGo issued a travel advisory to passengers assuring that its teams are working around the clock to support passengers and reunite them with their families amidst the evolving situations in the Middle East.
In a statement, the airline said it will be operating select flights on March 22, 2026 depending on the safety conditions and necessary regulatory approvals. Passengers were advised to check flight schedules since they could change at short notice.
IndiGo flights on March 22
- Dubai (DXB) – Flights from Mumbai (6E 1453), Abu Dhabi (6E 1454)
- Abu Dhabi (AUH) – Flights from Mumbai (6E 1401), Delhi (6E 1405), Mumbai (6E 1406)
- Sharjah (SHU) – Flight from Hyderabad (6E 1421)
Other international and domestic routes are also operating, including flights to Jeddah, Riyadh, Muscat, Medina, Istanbul, and major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Kochi.
Indian carriers warn of fare raise
The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) representing IndiGo, Air India and Spice Jet has strongly opposed the government’s new rule of requiring at least 60% of seats on flights to be available for free selection. As per a PTI report, this could lead to a sharp rise in airfares. “The financial impact of this directive on airlines will be significant, compelling airlines to recover the lost revenues through increases in fares,” the FIA said in a letter to the Civil Aviation Ministry. It also urged the ministry to withdraw the directive citing heavy loss of revenue for the airlines. The move would actually be beneficial for travellers who would be able to save money on seat selection charges and find stable prices on high-demand routes. It would allow them to enjoy lower fares on early bookings while also helping passengers on the same PNR to sit together.
Air Arabia and flydubai issue travel advisory
Middle Eastern carriers including Air Arabia and flydubai recently issued a travel advisory due to an adverse weather forecast across the UAE starting from March 22 and lasting over the coming days. Air Arabia warned operations at Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah may be affected, potentially causing flight delays or schedule changes. Flights from these destinations are currently limited and will operate until April 15. flydubai warned that the expected weather could affect its operations at Dubai International Airport as well as flights arriving and departing from the hub. It urged travellers to avoid coming to the airport with a confirmed booking and update their contact details through the airline’s “manage booking” service to receive the latest updates.Both airlines advised passengers to allow extra time to reach the airport and check their flight status before travelling.
