SpiceJet Announces 13 Special Flights to Repatriate Stranded Indians from UAE

March 5, 2026 — In a major relief for Indian nationals stranded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the ongoing regional conflict and airspace closures, SpiceJet has announced the operation of 13 special flights scheduled for March 5, 2026. This initiative follows a series of emergency repatriation efforts by Indian carriers to bring home thousands of travelers caught in the crossfire of West Asian tensions.

The special flights are part of a coordinated effort by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure the safe return of citizens. Over the past 48 hours, SpiceJet has already successfully operated 12 similar services, and today’s additional capacity is expected to significantly reduce the backlog of passengers waiting at various UAE hubs.

Flight Schedule and Key Destinations

The 13 special services today will primarily operate from Fujairah and Dubai, targeting high-demand routes to major Indian metropolitan areas. According to the airline’s operational plan, the flights will connect the UAE to:

• New Delhi: To accommodate the large influx of north-bound travelers.
• Mumbai: Serving as a primary hub for passengers from Maharashtra and Gujarat.
• Kochi: Specifically catering to the significant Keralite diaspora currently stranded.

These flights are being operated alongside SpiceJet’s regular scheduled services between Fujairah and Delhi/Mumbai, which resumed on a limited basis yesterday.

Context of the Crisis

The surge in repatriation flights comes as a response to the massive disruption in Middle Eastern aviation caused by the Israel-Iran conflict. Since late February, frequent airspace closures across Iran, Jordan, and the UAE have led to:

1. Mass Cancellations: Over 1,200 flights by Indian carriers were cancelled in the first week of March alone.
2. Stranded Passengers: Thousands of Indian tourists, business professionals, and students—including a group of 84 MBA students from Pune—found themselves stuck as Dubai International (DXB) and other airports implemented temporary shutdowns.
3. Alternative Routes: Many travelers were forced to take 6-hour road trips to Oman to catch flights from Muscat as UAE air traffic reached a standstill.

Commitment to Passenger Safety

Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of SpiceJet, emphasized the airline’s priority during this period of uncertainty.

“At a time like this, our priority is to support Indian citizens who are facing uncertainty and want to return home. We are grateful to the authorities for their coordination, which has made these special flights possible. SpiceJet stands ready to operate more such services wherever required.”

Government Coordination and Monitoring

The Indian government is maintaining a 24/7 vigil on the situation. The Civil Aviation Ministry is working closely with foreign aviation authorities to secure “safe corridors” for these repatriation flights. Additionally, the government is monitoring airfares to prevent “undue surges” in ticket prices, ensuring that the crisis is not exploited by predatory pricing.

Advice for Travelers

Passengers currently in the UAE are advised to:

• Check Flight Status: Use the official SpiceJet website or mobile app for real-time updates.
• Contact Missions: Stay in touch with the Consulate General of India in Dubai for registration and priority boarding on relief flights.
• Avoid Airports Without Confirmation: Authorities recommend not heading to the airport unless a confirmed seat on a special flight has been issued.