Several Indian airlines have cancelled or scaled back flights between India and West Asia on Sunday, March 15, following operational restrictions at airports in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The disruptions come amid a volatile security situation in the region, linked to the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has led to airspace limitations and tighter airport operations.
“Due to the evolving situation in the Middle East, flight operations have been further restricted in Dubai, leading to changes in flight schedules,” the airline said.
The carrier also noted that it is sending regular notifications to passengers to keep them informed about schedule changes and updates.
In an earlier update, IndiGo said it remains in close coordination with the relevant authorities and is working to progressively restore its flight network across the region, including select routes connecting to Europe.
Air India details cancellations
Air India also issued a statement on Sunday confirming that, in line with instructions from UAE airport authorities, both Air India and its low-cost subsidiary Air India Express have curtailed their ad-hoc operations for March 15.
Air India will operate one return flight on the Delhi–Dubai route, while the remaining four of the five scheduled flights to Dubai have been cancelled.
Air India Express will also operate one return flight between Delhi and Dubai, with five of the six planned Dubai flights cancelled due to the restrictions.
For Abu Dhabi, Air India Express has cancelled all five scheduled flights for the day.
Operations at other UAE airports
Despite the disruptions, some operations will continue. Flights between Sharjah and several Indian cities are expected to operate as planned. Air India Express intends to run services connecting Sharjah with Delhi, Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram.
For Ras Al Khaimah, the airline will operate flights on the Ras Al Khaimah–Kozhikode and Ras Al Khaimah–Kochi routes.
However, Air India noted that these flights will operate subject to slot availability and prevailing operational conditions at the time of departure.
Passengers whose flights have been cancelled or temporarily suspended have been offered the option to rebook for a future date without additional charges or request a full refund, the airline said.
Situation continues to evolve
Airlines continue to monitor the rapidly changing situation in West Asia, with further adjustments to flight schedules possible depending on airport instructions, airspace availability, and operational conditions.
Travellers flying to or from the region have been advised to check flight status updates regularly and stay in touch with their airlines for the latest information.
Major Indian carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, have significantly curtailed their flight operations to the UAE today, Sunday, March 15, 2026, following new restrictions issued by UAE airport authorities amid the escalating Iran–Israel–US conflict.
Current Flight Status (March 15)
The UAE authorities have instructed airlines to reduce "ad-hoc" and non-scheduled operations due to regional airspace volatility.
Air India & Air India Express: * Dubai: Only one return flight is operating between Delhi and Dubai. Four out of five planned Air India flights and five out of six Air India Express flights to Dubai have been cancelled.
Abu Dhabi: All five Air India Express flights for today stand cancelled.
Other Regions: Flights to Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah are operating on a very limited, slot-dependent basis.
IndiGo: * The airline has suspended or modified schedules for approximately 30 flight sectors today.
Passengers are being strongly advised to check their flight status via the airline’s website or app before leaving for the airport.
SpiceJet: * Has also restricted its Dubai operations and is notifying affected passengers via SMS and email.
Financial Impact: New Fuel Surcharges
Due to the conflict, global aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices have surged.
IndiGo: Surcharges range from ₹425 to ₹2,300 depending on the distance.
Air India: Has implemented a flat surcharge of ₹399 on domestic tickets.
Akasa Air: Surcharges range from ₹199 to ₹1,300.
What Should You Do?
Rebooking/Refunds: Air India and IndiGo are offering full refunds or the option to rebook for a future date at no additional charge for those on cancelled flights.
Travel Advisory: The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has urged expats and travelers to verify flight status directly with airlines, as schedules are being revised hourly based on airspace safety.
Airport Arrival: Do not travel to the airport unless you have a confirmed booking and have received a notification that your specific flight is still scheduled to depart.
Would you like me to monitor the status of a specific flight number for you or check for updates on the next set of flights scheduled for tomorrow, March 16?
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