Amanze Chinonye
India’s leading carriers, Air India and IndiGo, have launched coordinated repatriation and crew repositioning operations following partial reopening of Middle East airspace disrupted by escalating geopolitical tensions.
On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Air India operated flight AI916D from Dubai to the national capital, bringing back 149 stranded passengers. The aircraft landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport, marking the first arrival by an Indian carrier from Dubai since the recent wave of airspace restrictions.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe airline confirmed that the flight carried 149 passengers along with eight operating crew members.
“We are happy to welcome our guests and crew from Dubai aboard flight AI916D. This is the first flight by an Indian carrier to arrive in New Delhi today with 149 passengers and eight operating crew members onboard, amid the ongoing situation in the Middle East,” the airline said in a statement posted on X.
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Air India also acknowledged the role of the Government of India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and local authorities in Dubai for facilitating the operation.
“A heartfelt thank you to our teams, the Government of India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the local authorities in Dubai for their continued cooperation and for making this homecoming possible,” the statement added.
In a separate operation, Air India deployed another special flight, AI918D, to reposition 143 cockpit and cabin crew members who had been stranded due to the suspension of services. The large-scale crew movement underscores the operational challenges airlines face in restarting networks after abrupt airspace closures.
Airline officials note that restoring aircraft and crew to home bases is essential before regular schedules can fully resume, as staffing availability directly affects operational capacity.
Meanwhile, IndiGo has commenced a series of special relief flights from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to evacuate stranded passengers. The airline is operating in coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Indian diplomatic missions in the region, with plans for up to 10 special services to various Indian cities, subject to airspace clearances.
Flight operations across parts of West Asia have faced significant disruption in recent days due to airspace restrictions and operational challenges linked to rising tensions in the region. Several international carriers suspended or rerouted flights, leaving both passengers and airline personnel temporarily stranded.
The resumption of limited services signals cautious recovery, though aviation authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Airlines have advised travellers to check flight status updates before proceeding to airports, as schedules remain fluid and subject to change.
The developments highlight the delicate balance carriers must maintain between ensuring passenger safety and restoring connectivity in a volatile geopolitical environment.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
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