Flights From Dubai, Abu Dhabi Land In India As Airlines Begin Limited Operations Amid Conflict

Last Updated:March 03, 2026, 06:21 IST

An Emirates flight, landed at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, while the first flight from Abu Dhabi touched down at Kempegowda International Airport.

In a major relief to thousands of Indians stranded in the UAE, flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi began landing in India on Monday night as airlines resumed limited operations following days of suspension due to the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict.

An Emirates flight, EK 500, landed at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, while the first flight from Abu Dhabi touched down at Kempegowda International Airport. Another service landed safely at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and Chennai Airport amid heightened tensions in West Asia.

Onboard Emirates flight EK568 from Dubai to Bengaluru, passengers described an emotional atmosphere as services resumed. “Welcome onboard this flight to Bengaluru. Yes, this is the first flight," an air hostess announced, drawing smiles and applause, reported news agency ANI.

Sanjeev Mehta, a passenger on the Dubai-Bengaluru Emirates flight, expressed his gratitude and excitement as the aircraft prepared to depart.

“Thanks to the UAE authorities for starting the flights. We just boarded the flight to Bengaluru, India. This is one of the first few flights which have started," he told the news agency.

Mehta added that travellers had little time to prepare. “We were given a very short notice to book the tickets but we were able to book some tickets and rush to the airport. As of now, I am excited that I am going back home," he said.

Four special evacuation flights operated by Etihad Airways brought back stranded Indians from Abu Dhabi. According to schedule details, flight EY216 landed in Delhi around 8 pm, EY204 reached Mumbai at approximately 7:40 pm, EY238 arrived in Bengaluru at 9:45 pm, and EY334 touched down in Kochi at 10:10 pm.

Passengers said that airlines arranged hotel accommodations during the disruption. “Once we got stuck in the Abu Dhabi airport, Etihad Airways took good care of us. They booked the hotels for all the passengers whose flights were cancelled," one traveller said as quoted by the news agency.

Earlier on Monday, Dubai Airports confirmed a partial restart of operations from Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International. However, authorities urged travellers not to head to the airport unless directly contacted by their airline with a confirmed departure time.

Civil Aviation Ministry Announces Special Relief Operations

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Ministry announced that IndiGo would undertake 10 special relief operations from Jeddah on March 3 to help stranded passengers, subject to approvals and airspace conditions. The airline is coordinating with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah.

“IndiGo has planned 10 special relief operations from Jeddah to India on March 3 to facilitate the return of stranded passengers, subject to required approvals and prevailing airspace conditions. IndiGo is coordinating with the Consulate General of India at Jeddah for passenger facilitation," the Ministry said in a statement.

Additionally, the Ministry highlighted that foreign carriers operating between India and the Gulf region are also conducting limited operations, taking into account operational and airspace considerations.

“Foreign carriers operating between India and the Gulf region are also undertaking limited operations, subject to operational and airspace considerations," it added.

Travel platform EaseMyTrip also announced special charter flights from Fujairah to Delhi and Mumbai to assist those affected.

Meanwhile, Air India extended the temporary suspension of all its Middle East flights until 11:59 pm on March 3, citing continued airspace closures. The airline said it would assist affected passengers with refunds or complimentary rescheduling while maintaining scheduled services to the US, Canada, Europe and the UK.

The air travel disruptions followed joint US-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28 and subsequent retaliatory drone and missile attacks by Iran, leading to widespread airspace closures across West Asia. Many passengers were left stranded as flights were cancelled or rerouted.

(With inputs from agencies)

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