IndiGo plans 252 weekly flights to Middle East from March 16

Low-cost airline IndiGo on Saturday said it will operate 252 weekly flights to and from the Middle East from March 16 to March 28 as it cautiously adjusts operations in view of the evolving geopolitical situation in the region.

The airline said it is gradually restoring services while aligning capacity with current operating conditions.

IndiGo will operate about 126 weekly flights to and from Saudi Arabia, 98 weekly flights to and from the United Arab Emirates, and 28 weekly flights to and from Oman during the period.

The airline said it is closely monitoring the situation amid ongoing geopolitical risks, airspace restrictions, airport constraints, and rising fuel and insurance costs.

"These measures are being taken to ensure safe and reliable operations across the region while maintaining essential connectivity,” the airline said in a statement.

Passengers travelling from cities in the Middle East will continue to be able to connect to multiple destinations across IndiGo’s network in India and beyond.

However, the airline said operations to several destinations in the region - Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, Dammam, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah - will remain suspended until March 28 as part of the temporary network adjustments.

IndiGo added that it is taking steps to support affected passengers and may operate additional ad-hoc flights for stranded travellers if required.

The airline is providing real-time updates on its website and social media platforms and has advised passengers to check the latest flight information and travel advisories before planning their journeys.

IndiGo said it will continue to coordinate with authorities and adapt its operations depending on the evolving situation, reiterating its commitment to the safety of passengers, crew and aircraft.

IndiGo on Friday had announced that it will introduce a fuel surcharge on both domestic and international flight tickets starting March 14, following a sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.

In a statement, the airline said the surcharge will range between Rs 425 and Rs 2,300 depending on the route.

The move comes as airlines face increasing operating costs due to the surge in jet fuel prices amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.

"IndiGo, India's leading airline, is introducing a fuel charge on domestic and international routes, effective on March 14, 2026," the airline stated.

Indo-Asian News Service