New Delhi, March 15, 2026: India's largest carrier, IndiGo, has announced the temporary suspension of flights to seven key Middle East destinations as part of network adjustments necessitated by the ongoing geopolitical situation in West Asia. The suspension, effective immediately and lasting until March 28, 2026, affects services to Doha (Qatar), Kuwait, Bahrain, Dammam (Saudi Arabia), Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah (both in the UAE).
In a statement, the airline said: “As part of these necessary network adjustments, planned operations to Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, Dammam, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah will remain suspended till 28 March 2026.” IndiGo emphasised that it is “aligning capacity with the current conditions while maintaining essential connectivity” to ensure safe and reliable operations. The move accounts for factors including geopolitical risks, airspace restrictions, airport constraints, and rising fuel and insurance costs stemming from the regional conflict.
During the period from March 16 to 28, IndiGo plans to operate 252 weekly flights to and from the Middle East region. This includes 126 weekly services to Saudi Arabia, 28 to Oman, and 98 to the United Arab Emirates, primarily connecting to hubs such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat, Madinah, Riyadh, and Jeddah. The airline has also indicated it is prepared to run additional ad-hoc flights if required to assist stranded passengers and is coordinating closely with authorities.
The decision follows earlier widespread suspensions by Indian carriers, including IndiGo, Air India, and others, which began on February 28 after US-Israel strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory actions and widespread airspace closures across the Gulf. Operations have been gradually resuming since March 12, with IndiGo restarting limited services to nine destinations earlier this month, but the latest adjustments reflect a continued cautious approach amid evolving uncertainties.
Affected passengers have been advised to check the IndiGo website, mobile app, or social media channels for real-time flight status and travel advisories. The airline noted that customers in the suspended cities will retain one-stop connectivity options to multiple Indian cities and onward international destinations through its broader network. Full flexibility options, including refunds or rebooking without penalties, are expected to remain available for impacted bookings, consistent with earlier advisories issued during the crisis.
This development comes as other carriers, such as Air India and Air India Express, continue to ramp up rescue and scheduled operations to the region, operating dozens of flights on March 15 to support travel demand, particularly to the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
IndiGo urged travellers to stay updated, as schedules remain subject to change based on safety assessments and regulatory approvals. The airline continues to monitor the situation closely in coordination with Indian authorities.
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