The Tata Group-owned low-cost carrier announced on Thursday that services to all destinations in its Middle East network have resumed, with flights to Salalah in Oman and Kuwait restarting this week.

The restoration of the airline’s complete West Asia schedule comes as the security situation in the region continues to improve after the easing of recent conflict, allowing airlines to gradually reinstate suspended operations. The move is expected to benefit thousands of Indian travellers, expatriate workers, business professionals, and tourists who depend on regular air connectivity between India and the Gulf region.

Air India Express currently operates approximately 780 weekly flights connecting 18 Indian cities directly with destinations across the Middle East. The airline’s decision to resume its full schedule reflects growing confidence in the stability of regional aviation operations and signals a return to normalcy for one of India’s busiest international travel corridors.

With the resumption of flights to Oman and Kuwait, passengers once again have access to the airline’s complete network spanning key Gulf destinations, providing greater flexibility and improved travel options.

Flight Services Resume After Temporary Suspension

Air India Express had temporarily suspended services to several Middle East destinations during the peak of the West Asia conflict as airlines worldwide reassessed operational safety and adjusted schedules amid evolving geopolitical developments.

The temporary suspension affected selected international routes as carriers closely monitored airspace restrictions, security advisories, and operational conditions across the region.

Following improvements in the regional security environment, Air India Express has progressively restored services over recent weeks. The latest announcement completes that restoration process, bringing every destination in the airline’s Middle East network back into operation.

According to the airline, flights between Kozhikode and Salalah resumed from July 2, restoring direct connectivity between Kerala and one of Oman’s important commercial and tourism centres.

Services between Kozhikode and Kuwait are scheduled to restart from July 3, while flights connecting Bengaluru and Kuwait will resume from July 4.

The airline also confirmed that flight frequencies on these routes will be increased gradually over the coming days to match passenger demand and operational requirements.

The phased restoration strategy allows the carrier to ensure smooth scheduling while accommodating the expected rise in bookings following the reopening of these international routes.

Middle East Remains a Critical Market for Indian Aviation

The Middle East continues to be one of the most strategically important international markets for Indian airlines.

Millions of Indians live and work across Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. These countries also maintain strong trade, business, and tourism links with India, resulting in consistently high passenger traffic throughout the year.

Air India Express has traditionally focused on serving this large expatriate population by offering affordable direct flights connecting major Indian cities with important destinations across West Asia.

The airline currently operates nearly 780 weekly services between India and the Middle East, directly linking 18 Indian cities with 16 international destinations.

The restored network will particularly benefit passengers travelling for employment, family visits, education, business, and religious purposes, especially during the busy summer travel season.

Travel industry experts believe the full resumption of services will help stabilise ticket availability and improve connectivity for travellers who had experienced schedule disruptions during the recent regional tensions.

Expansion Strengthens International Connectivity

Air India Express has steadily expanded its domestic and international operations over the past few years as part of the Tata Group’s broader aviation transformation strategy.

The airline now operates a fleet of more than 100 aircraft, enabling it to serve an extensive network across India and overseas markets.

On an average day, Air India Express operates more than 500 flights, connecting passengers to 43 domestic and 16 international destinations.

The restoration of its complete Middle East schedule further strengthens its international footprint while supporting growing demand for affordable overseas travel.

Industry analysts note that Gulf routes remain among the most commercially significant sectors for Indian carriers because of consistently high passenger volumes and year-round travel demand.

The return of full operations is expected to improve capacity across these routes and enhance competition within the Indian aviation market.

Relief for Indian Workers and Families

The reopening of all Middle East routes is likely to provide substantial relief for thousands of Indian workers employed across Gulf countries.

Many expatriate families rely heavily on direct flight connectivity to travel between India and their workplaces abroad, particularly during holidays, school vacations, and emergency situations.

Temporary flight suspensions had resulted in schedule changes, longer travel times, and increased uncertainty for passengers planning international journeys.

With regular services now restored, travellers can once again access direct flights to key Gulf destinations without significant disruptions.

Travel agencies have reported growing enquiries following the announcement, with many passengers seeking bookings for both business and leisure travel.

The restoration also supports trade and commercial activities by improving mobility for professionals and business executives travelling between India and the Middle East.

Improving Regional Stability Supports Aviation Recovery

The gradual reopening of international flight services reflects broader improvements in the regional geopolitical environment.

During the height of the West Asia conflict, several airlines around the world either suspended services or rerouted flights as a precautionary measure due to evolving security concerns.

As diplomatic efforts contributed to easing tensions, aviation authorities and airlines began reassessing operational conditions, allowing normal commercial operations to resume progressively.

The return of Air India Express’ complete Middle East schedule indicates increasing confidence among airlines regarding the safety and stability of regional air travel.

Nevertheless, aviation experts note that international carriers continue to monitor geopolitical developments closely and remain prepared to make operational adjustments if circumstances require.

Passenger safety remains the highest priority for airlines operating international routes through sensitive regions.

Positive Outlook for International Air Travel

The restoration of Air India Express’ full Middle East network is being viewed as another positive indicator for India’s rapidly growing aviation sector.

International travel demand has remained strong throughout 2026, supported by expanding airline fleets, rising passenger confidence, and improving global connectivity.

Industry experts expect Gulf routes to witness further growth during the coming months as airlines increase frequencies, introduce additional capacity, and expand route networks to accommodate growing demand.

For Air India Express, the resumption of all Middle East operations represents not only a return to normal services but also an opportunity to strengthen its position in one of its most important international markets.

As flight frequencies gradually increase and passenger bookings continue to recover, the airline is expected to play a significant role in supporting business travel, tourism, and the movement of millions of Indian expatriates across the Gulf region.

With operations now fully restored to Oman, Kuwait, and all other destinations in its Middle East network, Air India Express has reaffirmed its commitment to providing reliable international connectivity while supporting the growing travel needs of Indian passengers in an increasingly interconnected global aviation market.