Air India Express is steadily rebuilding its Middle East network after disruptions triggered by the Iran-Israel conflict, restoring services across key Gulf markets and returning capacity to one of its most important international regions.
According to network updates reported by Aviation A2Z, the airline has resumed several routes from Bengaluru, its largest operational hub, while also reinstating flights from cities across southern and northern India.
The restoration marks a significant step in the carrier's recovery from months of flight cancellations, schedule adjustments and temporary route suspensions caused by airspace restrictions across West Asia.
The conflict between Iran and Israel earlier this year disrupted air travel across the region, forcing airlines to suspend services, reroute flights and adjust schedules.
Air India Express was among the carriers affected, reducing operations to multiple Middle East destinations as authorities imposed restrictions on portions of regional airspace.
As operating conditions improved, the airline began restoring services in phases.
According to Aviation A2Z, Muscat was among the first destinations to regain connectivity, with additional Gulf routes gradually returning as restrictions eased and regulatory approvals were secured.
During the height of the disruptions, Air India and Air India Express also operated several non-scheduled flights to assist stranded passengers.
The report noted that on certain days, the two airlines jointly operated as many as 80 flights to and from West Asia, with additional capacity deployed to destinations including:
• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi
• Muscat
• Jeddah
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Sharjah
Bengaluru has played a central role in the airline's network restoration strategy.
According to the latest schedule updates cited by Aviation A2Z, Air India Express has resumed Middle East services from Bengaluru to:
• Abu Dhabi
• Jeddah
• Riyadh
• Kuwait
The airline has also launched its first-ever services from Bengaluru to Dubai and Doha, strengthening its presence in key Gulf markets.
These additions enhance connectivity between southern India and the Middle East, a corridor supported by significant expatriate, business and family travel demand throughout the year.
The network restoration extends beyond Bengaluru.
Air India Express has also reinstated services connecting Gulf destinations with several cities across southern India, including:
• Kochi
• Kozhikode
• Kannur
• Mangaluru
• Tiruchirappalli
• Thiruvananthapuram
The carrier has additionally restored Middle East connectivity from several northern and central Indian cities, including:
• Delhi
• Amritsar
• Jaipur
• Lucknow
• Hyderabad
• Mumbai
• Varanasi
The broad-based recovery reflects the strategic importance of Gulf routes within the airline's international network.
The Gulf region continues to represent one of the airline's most significant international markets.
According to Aviation A2Z, Air India Express currently serves 17 international destinations and operates more than 500 daily flights using a fleet comprising Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family aircraft.
The airline's international network is heavily focused on short- and medium-haul operations, particularly routes serving labour traffic and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) demand between India and Gulf countries.
These travel segments have historically provided stable year-round demand and remain a key driver of the airline's international business.
The restoration also comes as the broader Air India Group reviews aspects of its fleet and growth strategy amid aircraft supply chain constraints and changing market conditions.
Air India Express has expanded rapidly since becoming part of the Tata Group and integrating operations with the former AirAsia India business.
Bengaluru remains a focal point of that growth strategy, with the airline continuing to add both domestic and international routes from the city.
The latest route restorations underscore the carrier's continued focus on strengthening its Gulf footprint, a market that remains central to its long-term international expansion plans.
As regional stability improves and operational conditions normalise further, Air India Express is expected to continue restoring frequencies and reinforcing connectivity across the Middle East, where strong passenger demand continues to support growth opportunities.
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