Air India and Air India Express have significantly impacted their flight operations following new directives from the United Arab Emirates' airport authority due to escalating conflict in the Middle East. Several scheduled flights are now canceled, affecting hundreds of passengers traveling between India and the UAE, as the ongoing crisis continues to disrupt international air travel.

The new restrictions led to the cancellation of numerous 'ad-hoc' flights which were set to take place until March 15, 2026, leaving many travelers stranded. Only one return flight from Delhi to Dubai will operate, while four out of five scheduled flights to Dubai have been canceled. This reduction in flights is a direct consequence of compliance with the directives from the Dubai airport authority amid heightened tensions in the region.

The ongoing crisis in the Middle East has not only disrupted flights by Air India, but it has also led to the cancellation of approximately 180 flights across India, prompting advisories for travelers. This situation is a stark reminder of how geopolitical tensions can have immediate and widespread effects on global travel and can leave many passengers in uncertain situations.