Air India Group on Tuesday confirmed that both Air India and Air India Express will operate a mix of scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from West Asia on April 8.
According to the airline’s official update shared on X, these ad hoc services will link major UAE airports, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah with Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, and other key hubs.
Air India and Air India Express will together operate the following scheduled and non-scheduled flights, to and from the West Asia region on 08 April 2026, subject to availability of slots and other prevailing conditions at the departure stations at the time. pic.twitter.com/uarKxNQOKu
— Air India Newsroom (@AirIndia_News) April 7, 2026
Air India said in its release that the flights are “subject to availability of slots and other prevailing conditions at the departure stations at the time.”
In addition to the special services, scheduled flights will continue on select routes. These include connections from Muscat and Jeddah to major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai, along with other listed destinations.
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Regional situation remains volatile
Flight operations are being closely monitored against the backdrop of escalating tensions in West Asia. The situation intensified after Iran retaliated in response to joint US and Israeli strikes on February 28.
Explosions were reported across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and other key locations, raising concerns due to their strategic importance and presence of critical infrastructure.
The conflict has now stretched beyond a month, with no clear signs of easing, prompting airlines and authorities to remain cautious.
India issues advisory for nationals in Iran
Amid the uncertainty, India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued an advisory for Indian nationals in Iran and shared helpline numbers.
"In view of the rapidly evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran are advised to stay put where they are, shelter in place and avoid further movements," the advisory read.
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The development follows a strong message from US President Donald Trump, who warned Iran of severe consequences if key demands are not met, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
In a message on his social media platform TruthSocial, the US President said on Tuesday, “A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will. However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalised minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!”
