India news: Airlines restart limited Middle East operations
Deutsche Welle
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Indian airlines have resumed limited flight operations to and from key Middle East destinations amid ongoing regional tensions and widespread travel disruptions. On Tuesday, 80 international flights were canceled at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport alone, adding to the chaos for travelers attempting to navigate the crisis. The situation has left millions of South Asian expatriates stranded in the Middle East, with many relying on relief flights organized by Indian carriers like IndiGo and Air India Express. These airlines have announced plans to gradually normalize operations, including four return flights from Jeddah to India and resumed services to Muscat, Oman.
Despite these efforts, major routes to countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE remain suspended due to ongoing conflicts in the region. The Middle East has been experiencing persistent airstrikes and military activity, particularly involving Iran, Israel, and Hezbollah in Lebanon. These developments have disrupted air traffic across the region, affecting not only Indian nationals but also global travelers.
The resumption of limited flights comes as a relief for thousands of stranded passengers, with initial arrivals from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Middle East hubs landing in India on Monday night. Flights operated by Etihad, Emirates, and other airlines touched down at major Indian airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kochi. However, the cancellations at Delhi’s airport highlight the ongoing challenges faced by travelers as air traffic continues to be severely impacted.
This situation underscores the broader implications of regional conflicts on global trade and travel networks. With India expressing concerns over Middle East tensions and emphasizing its commitment to peace, the focus remains on restoring stability in the region. The crisis also highlights the vulnerability of South Asian expatriates who depend on these air routes for work and family ties. As the situation evolves, Indian airlines are playing a crucial role in ensuring stranded passengers can return home safely while international efforts continue to address the root causes of the conflict.
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 3/3/2026