Published on
March 16, 2026
In a major update for passengers traveling to and from West Asia, Air India and Air India Express are set to operate a total of 48 flights on 16 March 2026 to key destinations across the Middle East. With both airlines making adjustments to their regular schedules, here’s everything you need to know, including details on rebooking options and the latest cancellations.
Air India and Air India Express to Continue Key Operations
The two airlines will continue their scheduled flights to high-demand cities such as Jeddah and Muscat, ensuring that passengers can still access these destinations. Air India will run 10 flights to Jeddah, with departures from both Delhi and Mumbai, while Air India Express will operate flights from Bengaluru, Kozhikode, and Mangalore.
In addition, Air India Express will provide services to Muscat with 12 scheduled flights operating from Delhi, Kannur, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram, including two flights from Kochi. This marks a continuation of their regular operations to ensure consistent connectivity in the region.
Non-Scheduled Flights Added for Flexibility
To meet passenger demand during this period, Air India and Air India Express will operate 26 non-scheduled flights to UAE and Saudi Arabia. These flights will cater to the increased travel requirements across these key regions and will be subject to availability of slots and other regulatory conditions. The airlines have obtained the necessary permissions from Indian and local authorities for these additional services, allowing them to offer more options for travelers in need.
Overview of Flight Operations on 16 March 2026
Here’s a breakdown of the scheduled, non-scheduled, and temporarily suspended flight operations for 16 March:
- United Arab Emirates (UAE):
- Dubai: Air India will not operate scheduled flights to Dubai, but Air India Express will operate a flight from Kochi.
- Abu Dhabi: Non-scheduled flights will operate from Delhi, Bengaluru, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Mumbai via Air India Express.
- Ras Al Khaimah: Air India Express will operate non-scheduled services from Delhi and Kozhikode.
- Sharjah: Non-scheduled services from Kochi and Mangalore will operate.
- Oman:
- Muscat: Regular scheduled flights will operate from Delhi, Kannur, Kochi, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram. No additional non-scheduled flights are planned.
- Salalah: No services will operate from Salalah on this date.
- Saudi Arabia:
- Jeddah: Scheduled flights will be operated by both Air India and Air India Express. Air India will run services from Delhi and Mumbai, while Air India Express will operate from Bengaluru, Kozhikode, and Mangalore.
- Riyadh: Non-scheduled flights from Mumbai and Kozhikode will operate, with Air India managing the operations.
- Dammam: No services will operate to Dammam on 16 March.
- Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Israel:
- No scheduled or non-scheduled services will operate to Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, or Tel Aviv.
Additional Information for Affected Passengers
Passengers with bookings on any of the temporarily suspended routes have been provided with several options. These passengers can choose to rebook their flights for a future date at no additional charge or opt for a full refund, depending on their preference.
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For rebooking or cancellation requests, Air India guests are encouraged to visit the airline’s official website www.airindia.com. For further assistance, the airline’s 24×7 customer support hotline is available at +911169329333 or +911169329999.
Similarly, Air India Express guests traveling from any station in the UAE are also entitled to rebook their flights on any available services without additional charges. Air India Express has ensured that a series of additional commercial flights will operate from various UAE stations to India.
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Proactive Communication with Passengers
Air India and Air India Express have initiated proactive communication with all impacted passengers. The airlines are reaching out to their customers using the registered mobile numbers to provide real-time rebooking options and updates regarding flight changes. To receive these notifications, passengers are encouraged to ensure their contact details are up-to-date with the airline.
For Air India Express passengers with active bookings, the airline has also introduced an AI-powered digital assistant, Tia, which is available on WhatsApp at +91 63600 12345. This feature allows passengers to quickly rebook their flights or make necessary adjustments to their travel plans.
Continued Service to Other Regions
Air India’s operations to North America, Europe, Australia, and other global destinations will continue as scheduled. These regions are unaffected by the adjustments made for the West Asia routes, and operations will proceed without disruption.
Future Plans for Additional Flights
Air India and Air India Express are exploring the possibility of operating more non-scheduled flights to destinations in the West Asia region. These additional flights will be considered based on operational requirements, demand, and available permissions from the relevant authorities.
Both airlines remain committed to supporting their passengers during this period and are continuously monitoring the situation to ensure smooth operations.
Image Source: Air India
