India-UAE Flight Operations Disrupted by New UAE Airport Restrictions
Flight services between India and the United Arab Emirates experienced significant disruptions on Saturday, March 15, 2026, following the imposition of fresh operational restrictions by airport authorities in the UAE. This forced major Indian carriers to scale back their services for the day, leading to widespread cancellations and schedule changes.
Airlines Announce Curtailment of Ad-Hoc Flights
In response to the latest instructions from UAE airport authorities, both Air India and Air India Express announced via their X accounts at 4:56 AM on March 15 that they would curtail several ad-hoc flights scheduled for that day. The airlines stated they were compelled to reduce operations due to the restrictions, affecting services to major UAE hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
According to the airlines, only one return flight between Delhi and Dubai was operated by Air India for the day, with four of the five planned Dubai flights cancelled. Air India Express also scaled back significantly, operating just one Delhi-Dubai return flight and cancelling five of its six scheduled flights to Dubai.
Severe Impact on Abu Dhabi and Other Emirates
Flights to Abu Dhabi were affected more severely, with Air India Express cancelling all five of its scheduled services to the UAE capital. However, the airline indicated that some operations to other emirates, such as Sharjah, were expected to continue. Services to Sharjah were planned from several Indian cities, including Delhi, Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram. Additionally, flights between Ras Al Khaimah and the Kerala cities of Kozhikode and Kochi were also anticipated to operate, subject to slot availability and prevailing conditions at departure time.
Passenger Options and Airline Responses
Passengers whose flights were cancelled or temporarily suspended were offered the option to rebook their journeys for a later date without additional charges or opt for a full refund. Both carriers expressed regret over the inconvenience caused, attributing the curtailment to operational constraints beyond their control. They emphasized their commitment to assisting affected passengers and working to bring stranded travellers back home as soon as possible.
IndiGo Also Adjusts Schedules Amid Evolving Situation
Meanwhile, IndiGo announced changes to its flight schedules due to the evolving situation in the Middle East and the restrictions imposed at Dubai airport. In a post on X at 3:29 AM on March 15, the airline advised that operations to and from Dubai had been affected, urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. IndiGo stated it remains in close coordination with relevant authorities as it works to progressively rebuild its flight network across the Middle East and select European routes while monitoring the regional situation.
Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments
The disruptions highlight how several airlines continue to monitor the evolving situation in the region, with schedules likely to be adjusted further depending on airport instructions and operational conditions. This incident underscores the challenges faced by carriers in maintaining regular services amid external constraints and geopolitical factors.
