IndiGo Operates Repatriation Flights to Jeddah, Plans Muscat Service

In a major relief for passengers stranded amid the escalating Middle East crisis, IndiGo on Tuesday operated four repatriation flights to Jeddah and is set to operate another special service to Muscat later in the day.

The airline also plans to operate additional repatriation flights to cities in the UAE on March 4, subject to the evolving local situation and necessary regulatory approvals.

The disruptions follow widespread airspace closures in parts of the Middle East after hostilities began on February 28, leading to flight cancellations and leaving thousands stranded across the region.

The resumption of flights comes as a significant relief for Indian pilgrims stranded in Makkah and Madinah , two of Islam’s holiest cities that witness a steady flow of Indian visitors for Umrah and other religious pilgrimages throughout the year.

A large number of the stranded passengers are believed to be elderly pilgrims travelling on fixed-duration visas and pre-booked accommodation packages. Prolonged flight suspensions had raised concerns over visa validity, additional accommodation costs, and health-related difficulties , particularly for senior citizens.

On Monday, IndiGo had announced plans to operate 10 special relief flights from Jeddah to Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad on March 3 to facilitate the return of stranded passengers. The airline is coordinating closely with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to streamline passenger movement.

After temporarily suspending operations to parts of the Middle East and Europe due to safety concerns, IndiGo said it would begin reinstating select flights to Muscat (Oman), Jeddah and Madinah (Saudi Arabia), and Athens (Greece) . In total, the airline plans to operate 26 flights to and from these four destinations as part of a phased restoration strategy.

“For all other stations, IndiGo is closely monitoring the situation and working with the relevant authorities for local slots and permits to progressively restore its operational schedule,” the airline said.

The Civil Aviation Ministry , which reviewed the situation in a meeting chaired by Minister K. Rammohan Naidu , said airlines have undertaken calibrated schedule adjustments , including alternative routings that avoid restricted airspace.

Authorities have also directed airlines to maintain transparent communication, ensure refunds and rescheduling compliance , and coordinate with Indian missions abroad to facilitate safe and orderly passenger movement.

Aircraft and crew repositioning measures are currently underway to restore operational stability at the earliest.