Indian Airlines to Conduct 58 Flights to the Gulf Today

DALLAS — The Indian government on Tuesday said that several airlines based in that country have begun adjusting their schedules and will operate 58 flights today, March 4, amid the crisis in the Middle East and West Asia.

In an article on theHindu.com, India’s Civil Aviation Ministry said, “Special arrangements are being made to facilitate the movement of stranded passengers (in the Middle East and West Asia), with airlines deploying additional capacity where required and coordinating closely with foreign aviation authorities and Indian missions abroad to ensure safe and orderly passenger movement.

“A total of 24 flights are being operated by Indian carriers today. In addition, Emirates and Etihad have operated 9 flights from the Gulf in the last 24 hours.”

The Ministry has indicated that it is in continuous touch with airlines and closely monitoring airfares to ensure that there is no undue price gouging during this operation.

According to the Ministry, Indian carriers are adjusting their long-haul operations with alternative routings that avoid restricted airspace.

“Indian carriers are further planning 58 flights on March 4, including 30 by IndiGo and 23 by Air India and Air India Express. Foreign carriers operating between India and the Gulf region are also undertaking limited operations, subject to operational and airspace considerations,” the Ministry said.

Impacted Operations

The escalating crisis has significantly impacted flight operations, with some airspaces in the region closed.

“Till date, 1,221 flights by Indian carriers and 388 flights by foreign carriers have been cancelled due to the ongoing situation,” the Ministry said.

TheHindu.com noted that approximately 104 international flights were cancelled by Indian carriers on March 3. Over the previous three days, as many as 1,117 international flights were cancelled due to the war.

“All airlines have been advised to maintain transparent communication with passengers and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements concerning refunds, rescheduling, and passenger assistance,” the Ministry added.

The aviation authorities are continuously working with airlines, airport operators, regulatory authorities, and the External Affairs Ministry to ensure safe operations, orderly restoration of services, and facilitation of affected passengers.