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India Resumes Riyadh Flights Amid West Asia Monitoring, 150K Passengers Moved

The Indian government announced the resumption of flight operations by Indian carriers to and from Riyadh, effective March 12. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia and its impact on air travel, coordinating with airlines for smooth operations. During a recent period from February 28 to March 11, over 150,000 air passengers traveled from Gulf countries to India. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for the latest updates as the ministry continues to review the situation.

Key Points: India Resumes Riyadh Flights, Monitors West Asia Air Travel

  • Riyadh flights resume March 12
  • 150,457 passengers from Gulf to India Feb 28-Mar 11
  • 57 inbound flights scheduled from West Asia
  • Govt monitoring airfares for reasonableness
2 min read

Indian carriers resume Riyadh flights as govt monitors West Asia situation

Indian carriers resume Riyadh flights as govt monitors West Asia situation. Over 150,000 passengers traveled from Gulf to India recently.

"flight operations by Indian carriers to/from Riyadh have resumed from 12 March 2026 - Ministry of Civil Aviation"

New Delhi, March 12

The government on Thursday said that flight operations by Indian carriers to and from Riyadh have resumed, as it closely monitors the evolving situation in the West Asia region.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation and its impact on air travel between India and countries in the region.

Airlines are undertaking necessary operational adjustments in view of the prevailing conditions to ensure passenger safety and the orderly conduct of flight operations.

"In this context, flight operations by Indian carriers to/from Riyadh have resumed from 12 March 2026. On the first day of resumption, three services are being operated to Mumbai by Air India and IndiGo, and one service to Calicut by Air India Express, thereby restoring important air connectivity between India and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia," said the ministry.

During February 28 till March 11, a total of 1,50,457 air passengers travelled from the Gulf countries to India.

"Further, Indian carriers have scheduled 57 inbound flights on 12 March 2026 from various cities in the West Asia, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, Jeddah, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Riyadh and Sharjah, subject to operational feasibility and prevailing conditions," said the ministry.

It is maintaining close coordination with airlines and other concerned stakeholders to facilitate smooth passenger movement. Airfares are also being closely monitored to ensure that ticket prices remain reasonable and that there is no undue surge during this period.

"Passengers are advised to remain in contact 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 updates as necessary," according to the official statement.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is a relief for so many families! So many Indians work in the Gulf. Monitoring airfares is crucial - during such crises, some airlines and agents hike prices unfairly. Glad the ministry is keeping an eye on that. 🙏
R
Rohit P
Resuming flights is a positive step, but the communication from the airlines could have been better during the suspension period. Many passengers were left in the dark. Hope they improve their customer service protocols for future such events.
S
Sarah B
The scale of travel is massive - 1.5 lakh passengers in just that period! It shows how interconnected we are with the Gulf region. Smart move to resume with key routes like Mumbai and Calicut first, given the high passenger traffic from Kerala and Maharashtra.
V
Vikram M
Safety should always be the top priority, no question. But a bit of constructive feedback: the initial decision to suspend seemed very sudden. A bit more advance warning for travelers already at airports would have been helpful. Otherwise, good coordination now.
K
Kavya N
My father works in Riyadh and flies home to Kochi every few months. This news is a big weight off our minds. Shukriya to the authorities for the quick action and updates. Hope the 57 scheduled flights today all operate smoothly.

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