NEW DELHI: Air India on Tuesday announced that it will progressively resume the Middle East flights as regional airspaces begin to reopen following temporary closures due to heightened geopolitical tensions.
The airline said that most of its Middle East flights are expected to resume operations starting June 25.
In a statement, Air India added that it has also begun reinstating flights to and from Europe that were earlier suspended, while services to and from the East Coast of the United States and Canada will be restored at the earliest opportunity.
These regions had seen temporary disruption due to precautionary flight path changes and rerouting.
The airline had temporarily suspended several international routes on Monday, particularly those connecting to the Middle East, Europe, and North America, after tensions in the region escalated, leading to airspace closures by some countries.
The move was part of a wider industry response to ensure the safety of passengers and crew amid rising uncertainty.
Delays likely
“Some flights may experience delays or cancellations due to consequential impacts and extended re-routings/flight times, but we are committed to minimising disruptions and restoring schedule integrity. Air India will continue to avoid airspaces assessed as unsafe at any given time,” the airline said.
The decision to resume flights follows an easing of tensions and the gradual reopening of air corridors that are critical for long-haul operations connecting Asia with the West.
Several international carriers, including those based in the Gulf and Europe, had taken similar steps earlier this week to adjust or suspend their schedules in response to airspace restrictions.
The Indian government and aviation authorities had also been closely monitoring the developments. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had advised airlines to exercise caution while operating in or near conflict zones.
India, with a large diaspora in the Gulf region, relies heavily on uninterrupted air connectivity for both passenger movement and cargo operations, making the swift resumption of flights a priority.
