Dhaka : Air India has begun gradually resuming Middle East flights, with most services expected to be fully restored by today (June 25), following a tentative ceasefire between Iran and Israel and the reopening of regional airspace.

Iran’s attack on Qatar’s Al Udeid US military base in Doha late Monday (June 23) night – an act the Gulf state condemned as a flagrant violation of its sovereignty, international law, and the United Nations Charter – was immediately followed by widespread and significant impacts on commercial aviation across the Middle East and globally.

Airlines and governments were forced to adapt to a rapidly changing security landscape. Airlines were on fresh alert late Monday night after Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait temporarily closed their airspaces.

India - UAE flight route is among the busiest air routes in the world, transporting thousands of passengers daily on both Indian and UAE carriers because of the large Indian diaspora living in the UAE.

A long-term disruption of flights on this route could prove cataclysmic for airlines operating flights on this route.

The Indian national carrier also confirmed that flights to and from Europe, which were previously cancelled, are being progressively reinstated from today. Services connecting India with the U.S. and Canada's East Coast will resume at the earliest possible opportunity.

Air India in a statement emphasized its commitment to minimizing disruptions and restoring schedule integrity while affirming that it will continue to avoid any airspaces assessed as unsafe.

Air India's top priority is the safety and security of its passengers, staff, and aircraft.

The airline will continue to keep passengers informed of updates and appreciate their understanding during this transitional period, the statement noted.

-B