Pankaj Jain
New Delhi, March 5 (UNI) Amid heightened tensions in West Asia and discussions on social media, Air India has issued a clarification dismissing claims that its flights operated over restricted airspace in the region.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, the airline termed the circulating reports as “incorrect” and described them as fake news, stating that they do not reflect the airline’s actual flight operations or safety procedures.
Air India said it does not operate flights over any restricted airspace. The airline explained that all flight routes are planned using real-time intelligence, global aviation advisories and continuous monitoring to ensure every journey remains safe, compliant and reliable.
According to the airline, these operational decisions underline its commitment to prioritising the safety and security of passengers and crew above everything else.
Earlier, Air India had said it was closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia and had started operating a few flights to and from Dubai and Jeddah to bring back stranded passengers, giving highest priority to their safety and wellbeing.
The airline said most of its operations to West Asia would remain suspended till 11:59 pm IST on March 5, 2026, after careful assessment of the situation.
However, Air India plans to resume scheduled operations to and from Jeddah from March 5. These include flights AI2255/2256 on the Delhi-Jeddah-Delhi route, AI2251/2252 on the Mumbai-Jeddah-Mumbai route, and AI2245/2246 on the Mumbai-Jeddah-Mumbai route.
In addition, Air India has planned to operate an extra service, flight AI909D/996D, early on March 5 on the Mumbai-Dubai-Delhi route using a larger capacity Boeing 777 aircraft to bring back stranded passengers.
Air India expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers due to the suspension of flights to West Asia and said it remains committed to assisting affected travellers with alternative arrangements, full refunds or complimentary rescheduling options.
