In a major move aimed at supporting passengers traveling to the Middle East, the Air india announcement of special flights has brought welcome relief for thousands of travelers. Amid the tense atmosphere in parts of West Asia and the rising demand for international travel, Air India and Air India Express have decided to significantly expand their flight operations to key Gulf destinations.
The decision was officially announced on March 12, 2026, and includes the operation of several additional flights to cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Muscat. The expanded schedule is expected to help a large number of Indian passengers, particularly migrant workers and pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Relief for Indian Passengers Traveling to the Gulf
The Air india announcement of special flights comes at a time when travel demand between India and the Gulf region continues to increase. Many Indian nationals work and live in Gulf countries, and regular travel between these destinations is common for employment, family visits, and religious purposes.
According to the airlines, a total of 58 additional regular and special flights will be operated to accommodate this surge in demand. These extra services will provide passengers with more travel options, making it easier for them to secure seats during busy travel periods.
The airlines have also categorized several of these services as non-scheduled flights, which are specifically arranged to manage high passenger demand and ensure smoother travel operations.
Special Flights to Riyadh
One of the most important parts of the Air india announcement of special flights is the introduction of additional services to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
Both Air India and Air India Express will operate one non-scheduled round-trip flight each to Riyadh.
- Air India will operate a special flight from Mumbai to Riyadh.
- Air India Express will provide a flight service from Kozhikode to Riyadh.
These flights are expected to be particularly beneficial for Indian workers and professionals living in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh is home to a large Indian expatriate community, and improved connectivity will make travel more convenient for them.
Additional Flights to Jeddah
Jeddah, another major Saudi city, will also receive increased connectivity under the Air india announcement of special flights.
A total of 10 flights will be operated to Jeddah by the two airlines. These services will connect several Indian cities to the Saudi port city, which serves as a major gateway for religious pilgrims traveling to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
The flight operations include:
- One round-trip flight from Delhi to Jeddah by Air India
- Two round-trip flights from Mumbai to Jeddah by Air India
- One round-trip flight from Bengaluru to Jeddah by Air India Express
- One round-trip flight from Kozhikode to Jeddah by Air India Express
These flights are expected to provide significant convenience for passengers traveling for Umrah pilgrimage, as well as those visiting family or working in Saudi Arabia.
Continued Connectivity to Muscat
In addition to Saudi Arabia, the airlines will also expand services to Muscat, the capital of Oman. Air India Express will operate eight regular flights connecting India to Muscat.
The planned schedule includes:
- One round-trip flight from Delhi to Muscat
- One round-trip flight from Mumbai to Muscat
- Two round-trip flights from Kozhikode to Muscat
These services will help maintain strong travel links between India and Oman, a country that hosts a large Indian community and sees frequent travel for both work and tourism.
58 Additional Flights to Strengthen Gulf Travel
Overall, the Air india announcement of special flights includes the operation of 58 additional flights to Gulf destinations. By adding these services under the non-scheduled category, the airlines aim to address the rising passenger demand and ensure smoother travel for Indian nationals.
The expanded operations are expected to make international travel easier, particularly for workers in Gulf countries and pilgrims planning religious visits. With improved connectivity from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kozhikode, passengers will have more flexibility and convenience while planning their journeys.
Industry experts believe that this decision will significantly improve travel access between India and the Middle East, while also strengthening Air India and Air India Express’s presence in one of the busiest international travel corridors for Indian passengers.
