(Image source from: Timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
SpiceJet plans to run 14 special flights starting March 6, connecting the United Arab Emirates to India, as many flights in West Asia are being canceled because of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. The airline shared this update on its official X account on March 5, and is increasing its flight options from both Fujairah and Dubai, where numerous Indian travelers are waiting for flights due to airspace limits causing major disruptions. SpiceJet has stated that 13 out of the 14 flights will leave from Fujairah, with one flight scheduled from Dubai. These services comprise nine flights heading to Mumbai, four to Delhi, and one journey from Dubai to Pune, targeted at assisting passengers who have been stuck. The extra flights on March 6 follow three days of busy operations, during which SpiceJet provided 25 evacuation flights from the UAE to various Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Kochi. The Hindu has reported that the airline is working with officials as part of India's broader mission to bring back its citizens impacted by the closure of Middle Eastern airspace.
Prices for these urgent flights are much higher than normal, given the lack of available seats and tight scheduling. As of March 6, the ticket cost from Fujairah to Delhi stands at ₹93,374. Those booking last-minute seats for these special flights should expect ticket prices to vary between approximately ₹78,000 and ₹94,000, based on the route, the date and time of booking, and available inventory. The situation in West Asia has led to numerous cancellations for Indian and Gulf airlines. Reports indicate that 1,770 flights between India and West Asia were canceled from February 28 to March 5, affecting many travelers in the Gulf region. With several Middle Eastern airspaces shut or limited, airlines like IndiGo, Air India, Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways have either cut back or redirected their services, leaving many Indian citizens in the UAE without immediate travel choices. These specific SpiceJet flights will assist those who are stuck until regular flight schedules can resume.
