Air India Boosts Delhi, Mumbai Routes To Europe, New York; Etihad Adds 100 Flights Amid Airspace Disruptions

Airlines are expanding flight operations as travel disruptions continue across West Asia due to rising geopolitical tensions in the region. Air India has announced additional international flights connecting India with Europe, the United States and neighbouring destinations to manage increased passenger demand.

The move comes as airlines adjust schedules and capacity following airspace disruptions linked to the ongoing crisis involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

Air India announces additional international services

Air India said it will operate 78 extra flights between 10 March and 18 March 2026 across nine international routes from Delhi and Mumbai. The additional services are intended to provide more travel options for passengers affected by flight disruptions and rerouted services.

The expanded schedule will add 17,660 seats across the nine routes in both directions, according to the airline.

The routes receiving additional flights include:

• Delhi - New York (JFK)
• Delhi - London (Heathrow)
• Mumbai - London (Heathrow)
• Delhi - Frankfurt
• Delhi - Paris (Charles de Gaulle)
• Delhi - Amsterdam
• Delhi - Zurich
• Delhi - Malé
• Delhi - Colombo

European routes will be operated using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, while services to Malé and Colombo will use Airbus A320neo aircraft.

Flights planned between Delhi and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York will be operated using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, subject to regulatory approvals, the airline said in a statement.

Additional flights to Jeddah and Muscat

Air India also confirmed that Air India and Air India Express together operated 24 scheduled flights to Jeddah and Muscat on 9 March.

For Jeddah, Air India operated one round-trip each from Delhi and Mumbai, while Air India Express ran round-trip services from Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Kozhikode.

For Muscat, Air India Express operated round-trip services from Delhi, Mumbai, Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram and Tiruchirappalli, along with two round-trips from Kochi.

Etihad opens bookings for 100 additional flights

Etihad Airways has also expanded its operations in response to the ongoing disruption. The airline opened bookings for more than 100 flights to 20 major destinations from Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.

Etihad said passengers with earlier reservations will be accommodated on the earliest available flights. The airline also advised travellers not to travel to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking or have been contacted directly by the airline.

Regional airspace disruptions affect travel

Air travel across West Asia has faced significant disruptions after several Middle Eastern countries closed sections of their airspace following escalating tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

As a result, airlines across the region have been rerouting flights, increasing capacity and launching additional services while thousands of travellers seek alternate routes and schedules amid the continuing crisis.