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India Expands West Asia Flights Amid Regional Tensions, New Routes From March 12

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia and its impact on air travel, with Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu directly engaging stakeholders. Indian carriers operated 45 inbound flights from the region on March 9, bringing over 7,000 passengers into the country. Air India, Air India Express, and Indigo will commence new flight services to Riyadh starting March 12, with operational flexibility and safety as top priorities. The ministry is coordinating with airlines to ensure orderly passenger movement and is monitoring airfares to prevent undue surges.

Key Points: India Expands West Asia Flights, New Routes From March 12

  • New flights to Riyadh from March 12
  • Monitoring West Asia situation
  • Ensuring passenger safety and fare stability
  • Using Muscat as alternate airport
  • 45 inbound flights operated on March 9
2 min read

Indian airlines to expand international air connectivity from March 12: MoCA

Indian airlines to launch new flights to Riyadh from March 12 as MoCA monitors West Asia situation, ensures passenger safety and fare stability.

"airlines have requested greater operational flexibility to ensure the safety of passengers - Ministry of Civil Aviation"

New Delhi, March 11

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the West Asia region and its possible implications on air travel between India and countries in the region, the ministry said.

Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu is overseeing the situation and maintaining direct engagement with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a quick and coordinated response, the ministry said on Tuesday.

According to MoCA, airlines are making necessary operational arrangements in response to the evolving situation, with passenger safety and continuity of services remaining the primary considerations.

As per operational data for March 9, Indian carriers successfully operated 45 inbound flights from West Asia, bringing 7,047 passengers into the country.

In light of the evolving regional situation, airlines have requested greater operational flexibility to ensure the safety of passengers and to provide necessary evacuation support wherever required.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has coordinated with relevant authorities to facilitate additional arrival and departure slots and to permit the use of Muscat International Airport as an enroute alternate airport for flights to and from several destinations.

These include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, Fujairah, Jeddah and Medina.

Operational plans of airlines indicate that Air India and Air India Express will operate flights to Riyadh starting March 12th. Indigo will also start its Mumbai-Riyadh-Mumbai services from the same date.

MoCA further stated that SpiceJet has been facilitated in obtaining approvals for alternate airports to ensure continued operational safety and flexibility for flights operating in the region.

Meanwhile, Akasa Air has been advised to align the commencement of its planned Mumbai-Riyadh-Mumbai services with the prevailing operational conditions. The airline is also scheduled to begin operations on the route from March 12.

MOCA mentioned that the Ministry is maintaining regular coordination with airlines and other concerned stakeholders to ensure that passenger movement continues in an orderly manner.

Airfares are also being closely monitored to ensure ticket prices remain reasonable and that there is no undue surge during this period.

Passengers have been advised to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding flight schedules and travel arrangements.

The Ministry will continue to review the situation and provide further information as necessary.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
My husband works in Riyadh and was worried about his travel next week. This news about Air India and Indigo resuming flights from the 12th is a huge relief. Hope the situation stabilizes soon.
A
Arjun K
Good to see the DGCA acting swiftly with alternate slots and using Muscat as an alternate. Operational flexibility is crucial. But I hope this isn't just for show—the real test is on-ground execution and support if an evacuation is needed.
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Priya S
Monitoring airfares is the most important part for common people like us. Last time during a crisis, ticket prices to Dubai went through the roof. Hope they strictly penalize any airline that tries to profiteer.
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Vikram M
Respectfully, while the plans sound good, I wish our aviation ministry was this quick and coordinated in handling everyday issues like delays and customer service. Let's see if this efficiency continues after the situation normalizes.
K
Kavya N
So many Indian families have loved ones in the Gulf. This connectivity is our lifeline. Shubh arambh on March 12th for the new flights. May all passengers travel safely. 🇮🇳

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