A SpiceJet flight from Fujairah successfully landed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on March 4. This development brings hope to thousands of Indian nationals currently navigating travel disruptions caused by the US-Israel and Iran conflict. While operations are gradually resuming, official authorities have put strict safety protocols in place to ensure the security of all passengers.
Important Guidelines for Passengers and Airlines
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA have issued several advisories to manage the current crisis. Indian carriers have been directed to avoid the airspace of 11 countries including Iran, Iraq, Israel, UAE, and Saudi Arabia for safety reasons. To support travelers, airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air are offering free rescheduling or full refunds for affected bookings.
- Air India: Full refund or free rescheduling for tickets booked on or before February 28 for travel until March 5.
- IndiGo: Extended full flexibility and refunds for Middle East sectors until March 7.
- DIAL Advisory: Passengers are advised to reach the airport only if they have a confirmed booking and direct communication from the airline.
- Price Control: The Ministry is strictly monitoring airfares to prevent any sudden price hikes during this emergency period.
Current Status of Flight Operations to and from Middle East
While over 1,600 flights were cancelled in the last few days, operations are now restarting through specific emergency air corridors. Around 48 aircraft movements per hour are being managed to clear the backlog of stranded passengers. Special repatriation services are being operated from alternative hubs like Fujairah and Muscat to bring people home.
| Airline | Route and Operations Update |
|---|---|
| Air India | Resuming Jeddah flights and adding capacity to Paris and Frankfurt |
| Air India Express | Special flights from Ras Al Khaimah to Delhi, Mumbai, and Kochi |
| SpiceJet | Continuing Fujairah to Kochi and Mumbai services through March 5 |
| Akasa Air | Waivers provided for passengers booked until March 7 |
Despite these efforts, nearly 180 international flights remained cancelled across major Indian cities on March 4 due to the volatile situation. Travelers are encouraged to stay in touch with their respective airlines for real-time updates on flight timings and route changes.
