Air India, AI Express plan 58 flights including special services to West Asia for March 12

Air India and Air India Express are set to operate a total of 58 scheduled and special flights between India and West Asia on March 12, as airlines adjust operations to maintain connectivity with the region amid ongoing disruptions in regional airspace and travel demand.

According to details released by the Tata-owned airline group, the flights will include both regular services and additional non-scheduled operations to destinations across the Gulf, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Oman.

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Two special flights will be operated to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia - one each by Air India and Air India Express. AI will run a non-scheduled round-trip service from Mumbai, while AI Express will operate a similar flight from Kozhikode.

Meanwhile, scheduled passenger services will continue on select routes.

Air India Express will operate eight flights to and from Muscat in Oman, including round trips from Delhi and Mumbai and two services from Kozhikode.

Additional flights to UAE

In addition to the scheduled network, the two carriers plan to operate 40 additional ad-hoc flights to and from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, subject to the availability of airport slots and operational conditions at departure stations.

These extra services have been approved by both Indian and local aviation authorities and are intended to support passenger demand and ensure continued movement between India and the Gulf.

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The UAE will account for a large share of the additional flights.

Air India Express is set to operate services connecting Dubai with Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai, as well as flights from Ras Al Khaimah to several Indian cities including Kochi and Delhi. The airline will also operate flights from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah to India.

Moreover, the airline will run multiple additional services to Dubai from Delhi and Mumbai as part of the expanded operations.


Wider network remains operational

Despite adjustments to certain West Asia routes, Air India said flights to other international destinations continue to operate normally.

The airline group confirmed that services to North America, Europe, Australia and other regions remain unaffected, with 78 additional flights scheduled between March 10 and March 18 to destinations including the United States, Europe, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

"All Air India flights to and from North America, Europe, Australia and other regions continue to operate per schedule, with 78 additional flights operating to and from Europe, the United States, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, between 10 and 18 March 2026," read an official memo from the group.

Passengers affected by any temporary suspension of scheduled services have been offered flexible options, including the ability to rebook for a later date without additional charges or opt for a full refund.

The airline has advised customers to submit rebooking or cancellation requests through its website, while Air India Express passengers can also make changes through the carrier’s digital assistant or customer support channels.

"Air India guests are advised to raise their rebooking or cancellation requests on the airline’s website at http://airindia.com. For more information, please contact the 24x7 customer support hotline at +911169329333 or +911169329999," the memo further read.

Air India said it is continuing to evaluate opportunities to add more ad-hoc flights to and from West Asian destinations depending on demand and operational feasibility.