Indian Airlines Step Up to Sustain Gulf Connectivity Amid Middle East Tensions

As geopolitical tensions ripple across the Middle East, air travel through the region has entered a phase of caution and recalibration. While several international carriers have paused or rerouted operations due to safety concerns, some airlines particularly in South Asia are adapting quickly to keep essential travel and transport links alive.

The disruption follows a series of US airstrikes on Iranian targets, reportedly in response to drone attacks on American personnel in the Gulf. The strikes, which hit military installations and radar sites across western and southern Iran, have led to partial closures of Iranian, Iraqi, and Qatari airspace, creating a ripple effect for regional and global aviation routes. While direct conflict between the US and Iran has not fully broken out, fears of escalation have prompted swift action by aviation authorities and airlines worldwide.

Strategic Hub Under Strain

The Middle East has always played a critical role in global aviation, connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa through some of the busiest air corridors on earth. With airspace restrictions now in place over multiple countries, traffic through the Gulf has slowed dramatically. Major hubs like Doha, Dubai, and Muscat are feeling the pressure.

Qatar Airways announced on June 24 that it had temporarily suspended all flights due to the closure of its national airspace.

“We are working closely with government stakeholders and relevant authorities that have been impacted and will resume operations when the airspace re-opens.” 

Indian Airlines Step Up

Amid this challenging backdrop, Indian carriers like Air India Express and IndiGo are helping maintain a crucial lifeline to the Gulf. With millions of Indian nationals living and working in the region, this connectivity remains essential.

Air India Express began progressively resuming flights on June 24.

“Air India Express is progressively resuming its operations to the Middle East from today, 24th June, as airspaces in the region reopen. Our first flight to the region today will be on the Delhi–Muscat route, followed by services on the Mumbai–Muscat, Kozhikode–Muscat, Kozhikode–Riyadh, and Jaipur–Jeddah routes.

Air India Express flights to and from key cities in the UAE — including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, and Ras Al Khaimah — as well as other cities in the Middle East, are scheduled from tomorrow.

Guests are advised to check their flight status on www.airindiaexpress.com, or #ChatWithTia on WhatsApp at ‪+91 65600 12345‬ for assistance.”

IndiGo, India’s largest carrier, confirmed that operations to and through the Gulf have stabilised, though it acknowledged that airspace over Iran remains restricted, forcing some rerouting.

Global Airlines Cut Back, Tourists Pull Back

International airlines such as Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air France-KLM have either suspended flights or rerouted around the conflict zone, prioritising safety amid the heightened military activity. The resulting detours, often over the Red Sea or Caspian Sea, are adding time, fuel costs, and complexity to long-haul routes. 

For Indian travellers, the impact is visible. The Gulf has been a top travel destination for both leisure and business in the post-pandemic period. Although Emirates quickly activated its robust contingency and disruption plans, with no diversions, only a small number of cancellations and a few flights experiencing longer flight paths due to airspace congestion.

However, the recent escalation has slowed outbound tourism and caused many to postpone or cancel their plans.

The Economic Fallout

Middle Eastern carriers like Emirates and Etihad face a double challenge: operating under constrained airspace while navigating unpredictable oil prices and rising insurance premiums. The Indian aviation sector, already stretched thin from its COVID recovery, is also feeling the pinch, especially with increased fuel burn from longer routes.

Cargo operations have also been affected. With Gulf cities serving as re-export hubs for Indian goods to Europe and Africa, delays and rerouting are disrupting supply chains. Exporters are exploring longer sea freight routes and alternative land-air corridors through Central Asia.

Flying Forward with Caution

While the skies over the Gulf are not entirely closed, they are being flown with care. Airlines like Air India Express and IndiGo are demonstrating adaptability and responsibility, ensuring essential travel continues where it’s possible, and pausing where it’s not.

As diplomacy plays out and airspace restrictions shift by the day, these continued efforts reflect not only the complexity of modern aviation but its resilience. For now, the region’s connectivity hangs in a delicate balance, but it hasn’t been severed.