Air India Express has fully restored its flight services to West Asia, marking a significant step towards normalcy after a period of disruption caused by geopolitical tensions and airspace restrictions earlier this year.
The low-cost subsidiary of Air India has resumed operations across all key routes in the Gulf region, its largest international market, reconnecting major Indian cities with destinations such as Kuwait, Oman, and other West Asian hubs. The restoration comes as stability gradually returns to the region, enabling airlines to reinstate suspended services and rebuild schedules.
Among the key resumptions, flights on the Kozhikode–Salalah route recommenced on July 2, followed by the Kozhikode–Kuwait service on July 3. Additionally, the Bengaluru–Kuwait route is scheduled to restart from July 4. These routes are expected to play a crucial role in catering to the strong demand from the Indian expatriate population as well as leisure travellers during the peak summer travel season.
The airline had temporarily suspended several of its West Asia services earlier in 2026 due to conflict-related airspace closures, which impacted flight schedules and connectivity across the region. With the gradual easing of these restrictions, the airline has now been able to fully reinstate its network.
Industry observers note that the restoration of services by Air India Express is a positive development for the India–West Asia aviation corridor, which remains one of the busiest and most economically significant international travel segments for Indian carriers. The move is expected to benefit not only VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) traffic, particularly from Kerala and other southern states, but also labour movement and business travel to the Gulf.
Furthermore, the reinstatement of capacity is likely to help stabilise airfares that had surged during the disruption period due to limited seat availability. As airlines progressively scale up operations, passengers can expect improved connectivity and more competitive pricing across key routes.
Air India Express is also expected to gradually increase frequencies on these routes in line with demand, further strengthening its presence in the West Asian market. The airline’s focus remains on ensuring seamless connectivity and reliable operations as it continues to rebuild its international network.
The full restoration underscores the resilience of the aviation sector and highlights the strategic importance of West Asia for Indian carriers. As travel demand continues to rise, particularly during the ongoing summer season, the return of these services is set to provide a much-needed boost to both travellers and the broader aviation ecosystem.