New Delhi, India – March 3, 2026: Air India on Tuesday marked the first international arrival of the day at Indira Gandhi International Airport as flight operations gradually resumed amid ongoing tensions in West Asia. Flight AI916D from Dubai, carrying 149 passengers and eight crew members, safely landed in Delhi, making it the first Indian carrier to arrive after several disruptions in regional airspace.
Flight Operations Resume Amid Middle East Crisis
The airline confirmed on X that the Air India Dubai flight lands in Delhi successfully despite disruptions caused by recent military developments in the Middle East. The airline expressed gratitude to the Government of India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and Dubai authorities for ensuring safe travel during a tense period.
Many passengers had been stranded or waiting for flights to resume after airspace restrictions were imposed following strikes and retaliatory attacks in the region. The safe arrival of this flight reassures travellers that air travel between India and the UAE is gradually returning to normal.
Dubai Airport Flight Resumption
Dubai Airports announced a limited resumption of operations from March 2 evening, allowing only a small number of flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Authorities have urged travellers to confirm with airlines before heading to the airport.
Air India is closely monitoring and assessing the evolving situation in the Middle East and has commenced scheduled operations to all its destinations in the USA, Canada, Europe and UK, giving highest priority to the safety and security of our customers and…
— Air India (@airindia) March 2, 2026
The disruptions began after military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28, followed by Iranian drone and missile responses targeting several countries in the region.
Significance for Indian Travellers
The safe landing of the Air India Dubai flight lands in Delhi represents a crucial step in restoring normal flight schedules and enabling Indian passengers stranded abroad to return home. Airlines and airport authorities continue to closely monitor the situation and advise travellers to check updates before planning their journey.
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With flight operations gradually resuming, the arrival of AI916D highlights the coordinated efforts between Indian and UAE authorities to manage air travel safely amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.