India, UAE and Oman form trilateral panel to address flight disruptions amid tensions

A technical committee will be set up to tackle flight issues caused by geopolitical tensions, including airspace restrictions in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam.

By SafarSamachar Desk12 Nov 2026, 10:46 pm IST

Illustration

Illustration: SafarSamachar Pix Desk, created with AI assistance. Not a photograph of the event.

Key facts at a glance

1The committee aims to find solutions for operational challenges due to geopolitical tensions
2Airspace restrictions have been imposed in cities like Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam
3Joint attacks by the US and Israel on Iran began on February 28
4The committee will be part of the agenda at the ICAO meeting later this month

India, the UAE and Oman are forming a technical trilateral committee to address flight disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions. The panel is needed to coordinate responses to sudden airspace bans and other complications arising from regional conflicts.

The decision follows joint attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, which began on February 28. These attacks have led to airspace restrictions in several cities, including Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam, forcing Indian airlines to cancel operations to these destinations. The technical trilateral committee will work to find solutions for these operational challenges.

In related developments, India's Civil Aviation Minister met with Canada's Minister of International Trade to explore opportunities for civil aviation cooperation. The committee will also be part of the agenda at the upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization’s Middle East and Asia-Pacific Regions meeting later this month.

What this means for Indian travellers

Indian travellers may see changes in flight operations to Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam as a new technical trilateral committee works to address airspace restrictions linked to regional tensions. The committee's efforts will be discussed at the ICAO meeting later this month, which could lead to more stable air travel conditions in the region.

More details

Which Indian airlines have cancelled flights to Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam due to airspace restrictions?

IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express and Akasa Air have all cancelled or suspended flights to Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam.

IndiGo
Air India
Air India Express
Akasa Air

Source: The New Indian Express

What alternative airports or routes are available for travellers from India to Saudi Arabia and Oman while the airspace is restricted?

Travellers can rebook to alternative Gulf airports: for Air India to Dubai or Doha; for Air India Express to Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Salalah or Sharjah.

Dubai
Doha

Source: Gulf News: Latest UAE news, Dubai news, Business, travel news, Dubai Gold rate, prayer time, cinema

How can passengers obtain refunds or rebookings on Indian airlines that cancelled flights to Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam?

Passengers can either opt for a full refund or use the airlines’ flexible rebooking service – including date changes or flights to alternative Gulf airports – by contacting Air India or Air India Express call centres or visiting their booking offices.