NEW DELHI — Providing a crucial lifeline amidst the escalating military conflict in West Asia, Air India successfully operated its first flight from Dubai to New Delhi on Tuesday. Flight AI916D touched down safely at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, carrying 149 passengers and eight operating crew members out of the tense region.
A Coordinated Relief Effort The successful operation marks the first flight by an Indian carrier to navigate the heavily restricted airspace since the onset of the current crisis. Taking to the social media platform X, the airline expressed its relief:
“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 8 operating crew members onboard, amid the ongoing situation in the Middle East.”
Air India extended its official thanks to its ground and air teams, the Government of India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and local authorities in Dubai for their close coordination in facilitating the complex operation.
Dubai Airports Begin Limited Resumption Concurrently, Dubai Airports announced a limited resumption of operations that began on the evening of March 2. A restricted number of flights are currently being permitted to operate from both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
However, aviation authorities have issued a strict advisory to the public: travelers are strongly urged not to proceed to the airports unless they have been contacted directly by their respective airlines with a confirmed, updated departure time.
Widespread Airspace Disruptions The massive flight disruptions across the region stem directly from the February 28 US-Israel military strikes against Iran, and Tehran’s subsequent retaliatory drone and ballistic missile attacks. The sudden outbreak of open hostilities triggered immediate cancellations and sweeping closures across multiple critical West Asian air corridors, stranding thousands of international travelers.
