Gulf Airlines Resume Limited Flights; IndiGo Plans Jeddah Relief Operations
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Airlines in Dubai & Abu Dhabi resume limited flights after airspace closures, while IndiGo plans 10 special relief flights from Jeddah to India.
Key Takeaways
- •Resumed limited flight operations from Dubai and Abu Dhabi after regional airspace closures.
- •Planned 10 special relief flights by IndiGo from Jeddah to four major Indian cities on March 3.
- •Prioritized passengers with existing bookings during the initial operational recovery phase.
- •Triggered a high-level government response in India to ensure the safety of stranded nationals.
An Etihad Airways (EY) flight from Abu Dhabi landed in New Delhi late on Monday, March 2, marking an early sign of operational recovery following widespread airspace closures across West Asia due to escalating regional tensions. The arrival of the flight provided relief to passengers caught in the disruption, which affected major international hubs and left thousands stranded.
According to data from FlightAware, Etihad Airways flight EY216 departed Abu Dhabi at 3:42 p.m. local time and landed in the Indian capital at 8:39 p.m. Indian Standard Time. The successful operation signals a cautious return to normalcy for one of the world's busiest air corridors, heavily impacted by the sudden closures.
Gradual Resumption from Gulf Hubs
Authorities and airlines in the United Arab Emirates have confirmed a phased restart of flight operations. The Dubai government’s media office announced that flydubai (FZ) would begin operating a limited number of flights from Monday evening. The carrier advised passengers to update their contact details and check their flight status online before proceeding to the airport.
Similarly, Emirates announced it would restart a small number of services. In a statement carried by the Dubai Media Office, the airline confirmed it would "begin operating a limited number of flights commencing on the evening of 2 March." The statement clarified the airline's immediate focus: "We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority, and those who have been rebooked to travel on these limited flights will be contacted directly by Emirates." The airline urged other passengers not to travel to the airport without a confirmed booking, noting that the majority of its operations remain suspended for the time being.
India Coordinates Repatriation Efforts
In response to the disruption, the Indian government has initiated measures to assist its stranded nationals. India's Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that IndiGo (6E) has planned to operate 10 special relief flights from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to facilitate the return of passengers.
The ministry stated, "IndiGo has planned 10 special relief operations from Jeddah to India on 3 March, 2026 to facilitate the return of stranded passengers, subject to required approvals and prevailing airspace conditions." The planned services will connect Jeddah with Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, according to information attributed to the Press Trust of India (PTI). IndiGo is coordinating these efforts with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to manage passenger movements.
The central government is also working closely with Indian missions across the Gulf to ensure the safe return of its citizens, while various state governments have started providing assistance to residents affected by the flight cancellations.
High-Level Security Review
The situation has drawn attention at the highest levels of the Indian government. The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened on Sunday evening to review the developments. The committee expressed concern over the safety and security of the large Indian expatriate community in Gulf nations and directed relevant departments to take all necessary and feasible measures to assist affected citizens.
What Comes Next
The resumption of air travel in the region remains tentative. The special flights planned by IndiGo are contingent on receiving necessary clearances from regulatory bodies, such as India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the continued stability of airspace. For Gulf carriers like Emirates and flydubai, the current phase involves a limited and carefully managed restart, with a full return to scheduled operations dependent on regional de-escalation.
This event highlights a key trend in modern aviation: the disruption of major international hubs due to geopolitical events. The response demonstrates the industry's increasing reliance on coordinated repatriation efforts and phased operational recovery protocols to manage such crises.
Why This Matters
This incident underscores the vulnerability of critical global aviation hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi to regional instability, with immediate and widespread impact on international travel. The swift, coordinated response from both airlines and national governments showcases established crisis management protocols aimed at ensuring passenger safety and facilitating repatriation. For the aviation industry, it serves as a real-world test of operational resilience and communication strategies during unforeseen geopolitical events.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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