Air India Group plans to restore its full Middle East network for the winter 2026 schedule, according to Nipun Aggarwal, Air India Express chairman and Air India’s chief commercial and transformation officer.
In an interview published by NDTV on 19 July, Aggarwal said that most flights affected by the recent disruption were already on sale and that the group expected to maintain the restored network if regional conditions continued to improve. The statement covers Air India and Air India Express services, but the group has not yet published a complete route-by-route winter timetable or confirmed individual launch dates in a dedicated public announcement.
Air India’s Middle East operations were heavily affected earlier in 2026 by airspace restrictions and airport operating constraints. The airline temporarily suspended or curtailed services to the region, then resumed selected flights as operational approvals allowed. Its travel-update page still advises passengers to check flight status and booking details before travelling, reflecting the possibility of short-notice changes.
What to check before booking
Travellers flying to India from the Gulf, or using the region for an onward connection, may see more direct options during the winter season if the plan proceeds. This could be particularly useful for trips to India during the peak holiday period, but a route being described as restored does not guarantee that every former frequency or departure time has returned.
- Search the exact travel date in Air India’s booking engine rather than relying on a general network announcement.
- Check the operating carrier carefully: some services may be sold or operated by Air India Express rather than Air India.
- Allow extra time for connections and review the airline’s flight-status page shortly before departure.
- For an existing disrupted booking, use Air India’s manage-booking channels to confirm the itinerary and any available rebooking or refund options.
Network recovery remains conditional
Aggarwal said that demand had remained strong and that airspace and airport access, rather than passenger demand, had been the central constraint. He added that the airline continues to assess operational risk with airports and local authorities.
That means the winter restoration is a stated operational plan, not an unconditional guarantee. Airspace restrictions, airport limitations or new safety assessments could still lead to schedule changes. Air India has not published a detailed list of the Middle East routes and frequencies covered by the planned full restoration, so travellers should treat bookable schedules as the most reliable confirmation for a particular journey.
Primary sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Air India Group has said it plans to do so for the winter 2026 schedule. It has not publicly released a complete route-by-route timetable or confirmed individual restart dates.
Air India executive Nipun Aggarwal told NDTV that most affected flights were already on sale. Check the airline’s booking engine for the precise route and travel date before making plans.
Yes. Air India says operations remain subject to safety assessments, airspace conditions, airport constraints and regulatory guidance. Check flight status shortly before travelling.
