As of April 5, 2026, Indian airlines continue to navigate one of the most challenging operational environments in recent memory. With regional tensions persisting across West Asia, carriers including IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, and AirAsia are managing flight schedules with extreme caution—operating select services while keeping the majority of regular routes on hold.
At Aviators360, we have compiled the latest advisories, flight status updates, and passenger guidelines to help you stay informed. Here is everything you need to know about flying to and from West Asia today.
The Big Picture: Limited Operations, Safety First
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has entered its 36th day, with airspace restrictions continuing to impact civil aviation across the region . Indian airlines are operating under strict safety protocols, coordinating closely with the DGCA and local regulatory authorities in West Asian nations.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has confirmed that airlines are maintaining essential connectivity while prioritizing passenger and crew safety above all else. Flight schedules are being reviewed on an ongoing basis, and passengers are being advised to check their flight status repeatedly before heading to the airport .
Air India Group: 32 Flights on April 5
Air India and Air India Express will together operate 32 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the West Asia region on April 5, 2026 .
This includes 12 non-scheduled (ad-hoc) flights to and from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), subject to slot availability and operational conditions at departure stations. All flights have received the necessary permissions from Indian and UAE regulatory authorities .
UAE Operations – April 5, 2026
| Airport | Scheduled Ops | Ad-Hoc Ops | Operating Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | No | Yes | Air India – Delhi; Air India Express – Mangalore |
| Abu Dhabi | No | Yes | Air India Express – Delhi, Kochi |
| Sharjah | No | Yes | Air India Express – Amritsar, Kannur |
| Ras Al Khaimah | No | No | – |
| Al Ain | No | No | – |
Other West Asia Destinations – April 5, 2026
| Country | Airport | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Oman | Muscat | Scheduled flights operating (Air India Express from Delhi, Kannur, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram) |
| Oman | Salalah | No operations |
| Saudi Arabia | Jeddah | Scheduled flights operating (Air India from Delhi, Mumbai; Air India Express from Bengaluru, Kozhikode, Mangalore) |
| Saudi Arabia | Riyadh | Scheduled flight operating (Air India from Delhi) |
| Saudi Arabia | Dammam | No operations |
| Bahrain | Bahrain | No operations |
| Qatar | Doha | No operations |
| Kuwait | Kuwait | No operations |
| Israel | Tel Aviv | No operations |
Important Note: All Air India flights to and from North America, Europe, Australia, and other international destinations continue to operate as per their normal schedules .
IndiGo: Select Flights Operating, Passengers Urged to Verify Status
IndiGo has issued a travel advisory for April 5, confirming that the airline is operating select flights to and from the Middle East. However, the airline has emphasized that flight schedules are being reviewed continuously in coordination with relevant authorities .
IndiGo’s Advisory to Passengers:
Please review your flight status prior to arriving at the airport
Any updates will be communicated via registered contact details (SMS and email)
Assistance is available through the airline’s contact centre for any queries
The safety and well-being of customers and crew remain paramount
IndiGo has not published a fixed timetable for April 5, as the situation remains highly dynamic. Passengers are urged to check the airline’s official website or mobile app for real-time updates .
AirAsia: Operating Select West Asia Routes
AirAsia continues to manage its West Asia operations with a focus on maintaining essential connectivity. While specific flight numbers for April 5 were not detailed in the latest advisories, the airline is coordinating with Indian and regional authorities to operate limited services to key destinations.
Passengers booked on AirAsia flights to West Asia are advised to check their flight status directly with the airline and keep their contact details updated to receive real-time notifications.
Why Are Flights Still Disrupted?
The disruption stems from the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which has led to multiple airspace closures and restrictions across the Middle East . Key routes that once served as vital corridors between India and the West are now either closed or assessed as beyond safety thresholds.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson recently cautioned employees that the worst financial impact of the crisis is yet to be felt, noting that the airline has already been forced to cancel around 2,500 flights and is currently operating at only about 30% of its normal Middle East schedule .
The CEO also highlighted that long-haul flights to the UK, Europe, and North America are being rerouted to avoid conflict zones, adding both time and fuel burn. While a fuel surcharge has been introduced, Wilson acknowledged that there is a limit to how high fares can go before demand drops .
Passenger Support: Rebooking and Refunds
For passengers affected by the ongoing disruptions, airlines have put in place flexible policies:
Air India Group
Passengers on temporarily suspended routes can rebook to a future date at no additional charge or opt for a full refund
Rebooking and cancellation requests can be made via the Air India website or through 24×7 customer support hotlines: +91 11 69329333 or +91 11 69329999
Air India Express passengers flying from the UAE can rebook without additional charges onto available commercial flights to any destination in India
The airline’s AI-powered digital assistant Tia is available on WhatsApp at +91 63600 12345 for assistance
IndiGo
Passengers are advised to check their flight status and contact the airline’s contact centre for rebooking options
Updates are being pushed via registered mobile numbers and email addresses
What Passengers Should Do Today
Given the dynamic nature of the situation, here are the key steps every traveler should take:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Verify flight status before leaving for the airport – check the airline’s official website or app |
| 2 | Keep mobile numbers updated – airlines are sending real-time updates via SMS |
| 3 | Arrive early – allow extra time for check-in, security, and immigration |
| 4 | Keep plans flexible – avoid tight connections and non-refundable bookings where possible |
| 5 | Use official channels – rely on airline websites, government updates, and verified advisories, not social media rumors |
The Aviators360 Take
At Aviators360, we recognize that this is a difficult time for both airlines and passengers. The situation in West Asia remains fluid, and safety considerations rightly take precedence over schedule reliability.
Indian airlines deserve credit for maintaining essential connectivity under extraordinarily challenging conditions. The shift from scheduled to ad-hoc operations—particularly on UAE routes—reflects a pragmatic approach: keeping the doors open for stranded passengers while avoiding unnecessary risks .
However, the financial toll is mounting. With jet fuel prices having more than doubled and thousands of flights already cancelled, the industry is under immense pressure . Passengers should expect continued disruptions and potentially higher fares in the coming weeks.
For now, the message is clear: check before you travel, stay flexible, and trust that every decision being made prioritizes your safety.
*We will continue to track this developing story. For real-time updates on West Asia flight operations, DGCA advisories, and airline schedules, stay tuned to Aviators360—India’s trusted voice in aviation insights.*
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of April 5, 2026. Flight schedules and advisories are subject to change at short notice. Passengers are strongly advised to check with their airline directly before traveling.