Air India has faced significant operational challenges as it suspends all flights to Israel until May 31, 2026, due to the ongoing conflict in the region. This decision has left around 40,000 Indians in Israel grappling with travel uncertainties.
On April 6, 2026, Air India and Air India Express operated a total of 30 flights to and from the West Asia region. Among these, 10 were non-scheduled flights specifically to and from the United Arab Emirates, marking a crucial pivot in their operational strategy.
While scheduled operations remain suspended at major UAE airports, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the introduction of these non-scheduled flights aims to provide relief to stranded passengers. Those booked on suspended routes can rebook for a later date without additional charges or request a full refund.
Air India continues to maintain its long-haul flights to North America, Europe, and Australia as scheduled, ensuring that not all routes are affected by the current crisis. Passengers of Air India Express can also rebook on alternative services operating from any UAE station to destinations in India without incurring extra costs.
In a proactive move, Air India is reaching out to affected passengers using registered mobile numbers to provide updates and rebooking options. “Guests booked to travel on any of the routes where Air India group’s scheduled services remain temporarily suspended may conveniently rebook to a future date at no additional charge or opt for a full refund,” a spokesperson stated.
These flights are being operated with the requisite permissions from the relevant Indian and local regulatory authorities in the UAE, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards. Air travel between India and key West Asian hubs is now operating under a revised schedule due to evolving operational constraints.
Additionally, Air India has established a 24×7 emergency helpline for Indians in Israel, while the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has launched a large-scale registration drive for Indians affected by the flight suspensions.
As the situation develops, Air India remains committed to assisting its passengers during these challenging times. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term impact of these operational changes.
