Flights restart after weeks; but is Kuwait–India travel back to normal yet?

The direct flights from Kuwait to India have resumed on Sunday, with about two months passing since their suspension due to regional conflicts in parts of West Asia.

According to various reports from authorities and airlines, Jazeera Airways, which is headquartered in Kuwait, made its first flight from Kuwait on April 27. These included flights bound for destinations such as Mumbai, as well as Beirut, Cairo and Istanbul. It has been 57 days since the cessation of operations at Kuwait International Airport.

Gradual restart amid uncertain conditions

Airlines are adopting a cautious approach, with schedules being planned on a weekly basis depending on how the situation evolves. Jazeera Airways is currently operating limited-hour services, with flights scheduled between 8 am and 4 pm under temporary guidelines.

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“We will gradually expand our network,” Jazeera Airways CEO Barathan Pasupathi told The Times of India, adding that the airline is currently operating direct flights to Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi, while other Indian routes are being served via Dammam.

Passengers have also been asked to update passport details at least 12 hours prior to departure as part of temporary travel protocols.

India’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Paramita Tripathi, welcomed the development, saying on X, “Happy to be on the first flight to India as flight operations from Kuwait International Airport reopens. India stands in solidarity with Kuwait.”

Regional airspace slowly reopening

The resumption reflects a broader, phased reopening of air routes across the Gulf. Bahrain had already restarted flights to India from April 21, while Saudi Arabia’s airspace is now operating close to pre-February 28 levels, according to airline officials.

However, the United Arab Emirates is yet to reopen its airspace to foreign carriers, including Indian airlines, for the summer schedule. Qatar has seen limited connectivity, while Oman and Saudi Arabia continue to operate scheduled services.

Iran is also expected to gradually reopen its airspace, signalling a wider easing of aviation restrictions if conditions stabilise.

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Focus on Indian travellers and pilgrims

Indian nationals form the largest expatriate group across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, making the restoration of connectivity critical for travel, employment and supply chains.

Separately, preparations for Haj travel are underway. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia confirmed that Ambassador Suhel Khan has reviewed arrangements in Makkah and welcomed the first batch of Indian pilgrims arriving from Madinah.