Amid airspace closures, SpiceJet operates 6 special flights from Fujairah to Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi

SpiceJet has launched six special flights from Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates to Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi to help stranded Indian nationals return home as escalating tensions in West Asia continue to disrupt international aviation.

The move comes at a time when airline operations across parts of the Middle East have been severely impacted due to widespread airspace closures linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Several carriers have either suspended services or drastically rerouted flights, leaving thousands of passengers stranded across Gulf transit hubs.

Special Flights to Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi

SpiceJet confirmed that the special services from Fujairah include:

•SG 9072 from Fujairah to Delhi on March 3 (departure 23:10, arrival 04:10)

•SG 9031 from Fujairah to Mumbai on March 3 (departure 23:00, arrival 03:30)

•A March 3 service to Kochi (departure 22:10, arrival 03:20)

•SG 9014 from Fujairah to Mumbai on March 4 (departure 01:55, arrival 06:25)

•SG 9006 from Fujairah to Delhi on March 4 (departure 11:10, arrival 16:40)

•Another Fujairah–Mumbai service on March 5 (departure 01:55, arrival 06:25)

The airline has indicated it is exploring the possibility of operating additional special flights, subject to passenger demand and regulatory approvals.

In a statement, SpiceJet said: “SpiceJet is operating special flights from Fujairah to Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi to support Indian nationals travelling home. Standing by when it matters.”

The inclusion of Kochi in the special operations is expected to provide relief to several Malayali passengers working and residing in the UAE who have been affected by the sudden suspension of regular services.

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With Kerala maintaining strong migrant and business links with the Gulf region, disruptions in air travel have triggered anxiety among families awaiting the return of relatives.

Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Evacuation Cell confirmed that a small number of flights have begun departing from Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport after the UAE partially reopened its airspace under restricted corridors.

However, authorities clarified that while the airports are no longer completely closed, they are not fully operational for regular commercial traffic.

“Access is strictly controlled, and regular scheduled services remain heavily disrupted,” the MEA said in a statement, adding that only a limited number of inbound and outbound flights have been permitted to operate since the evening of March 2.

Though the UAE has reopened portions of its airspace, large sections of surrounding regional airspace remain closed or volatile, continuing to affect flight schedules and route planning.

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The escalating geopolitical tensions across West Asia have led to unprecedented operational challenges for airlines operating between India and Gulf destinations. Many carriers have cancelled or suspended services due to safety concerns and restricted flight corridors.

Fujairah, which lies on the eastern coast of the UAE and outside the Strait of Hormuz, has emerged as an alternate departure point amid restrictions affecting larger Gulf hubs.

With uncertainty still surrounding the regional situation, airlines are operating on a day-to-day assessment basis, coordinating closely with civil aviation authorities to ensure passenger safety.

For stranded Indian nationals, however, the special flights offer a crucial lifeline in a sign that despite turbulent skies, efforts are underway to restore connectivity and bring travellers home safely.