An Air India flight from Dubai landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday, bringing home 149 passengers and eight crew members in the wake of continuing disruptions linked to escalating tensions in parts of the Middle East.

The flight, operating as AI916D, marked the first international arrival by an Indian carrier into Delhi on Tuesday. Its landing was seen as a significant step towards gradually restoring international connectivity after days of widespread airspace closures and flight suspensions across the region.

In a post on its official newsroom, Air India said it was “happy to welcome our guests and crew from Dubai,” expressing gratitude to its operational teams, the Government of India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and local authorities in Dubai for facilitating the flight under challenging circumstances.

The arrival follows a restricted reopening of operations at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, where limited flights resumed under carefully controlled air corridors from the evening of March 2. The airports had witnessed multiple cancellations and suspensions in recent days due to heightened regional tensions and related airspace restrictions.

The broader conflict involving key Middle Eastern actors has significantly disrupted global aviation networks, particularly affecting Gulf transit hubs that serve as major connectors between Asia, Europe and North America. Several international airlines have either suspended or rerouted services to avoid high-risk airspace, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

Tuesday’s Air India service reflects the initial phase of passenger repatriation and connectivity restoration efforts. Among those onboard were Indian nationals who had been stranded in Dubai following last-minute cancellations and evolving travel advisories.

While operations are gradually being restored, authorities have cautioned that flight schedules remain subject to change depending on airspace assessments and safety clearances.

Airport officials and airlines have urged travellers to verify flight status directly with carriers before heading to airports, as routes continue to be modified in response to operational constraints.

The safe operation of AI916D underscores the importance of coordination between airlines, regulatory authorities and airport operators in managing international air traffic during volatile geopolitical conditions.

As airlines work to stabilise operations, aviation stakeholders are closely monitoring developments to balance passenger connectivity with safety imperatives. Industry observers note that cooperation between civil aviation authorities and carriers has played a central role in enabling limited resumption of services despite the unpredictable environment.

With the situation across West Asia remaining fluid, international aviation connectivity continues to face uncertainty. However, Tuesday’s arrival offers cautious optimism that phased restoration of services is underway for affected travellers.