TTT NEWS NETWORK
NEW DELHI | 11 MARCH 2026
Air India has announced a temporary expansion of its international flight operations, with a specific focus on increasing capacity to the Maldives, in response to widespread global air travel disruptions stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The airline confirmed it will operate 78 additional flights between 10 and 18 March across nine key routes, strategically connecting Delhi and Mumbai with destinations such as Malé, Colombo, and several major European and American hubs. This measure is intended to provide a reliable alternative for travelers as several West Asian air corridors continue to face significant restrictions and delays.
Under this revised schedule, Air India is prioritizing the Maldives as a critical regional destination, deploying the Airbus A320neo to service increased frequencies between India and Malé. This move addresses the growing demand for dependable travel options during a period where traditional transit through major Gulf hubs has become increasingly uncertain. By utilizing safe alternative flight paths that bypass the affected regions, the airline aims to maintain schedule integrity for tourists and business travelers alike, adding approximately 17,660 seats across its expanded network.
Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer of Air India, emphasized that these additional services are designed to provide passengers with more stable travel alternatives amidst regional volatility. While long-haul services to cities like London and New York will be operated by the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, the focused increase in narrow-body flights to the Maldives ensures that the island nation remains accessible despite the logistical challenges currently facing the broader aviation industry.
This strategic shift positions India as a primary transit point for those seeking to reach Malé without the complications of Middle Eastern airspace constraints.
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