Flight operations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India were disrupted on March 15, 2026, after UAE airport authorities ordered airlines to revise and curtail schedules at several airports.

The advisory, shared by the Embassy of India Abu Dhabi, confirmed that only limited flights will operate between UAE airports and Indian cities, leaving thousands of travellers scrambling to check flight status and reschedule trips.

🚨 Travel Update

The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi says airlines are operating revised and curtailed schedules following instructions from the Aviation Authority.

✈️ Limited flights are currently operating between:

– Abu Dhabi
– Dubai
– Ras Al Khaimah
– Sharjah
– Fujairah pic.twitter.com/npf1dRkvgt

— (@) <a href=" 15, 2026

Airlines have since issued their own operational updates as they adjust to the restrictions.

Air India and Air India Express Cancel Multiple UAE Flights

India’s flag carrier, Air India, and its low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express, announced major changes to their UAE schedules for March 15, 2026.

According to the airlines:

• All Air India Express flights to and from
  • Abu Dhabi
  • Ras Al Khaimah
  • Sharjah
    have been cancelled for the day.
• Both airlines will operate only one round-trip flight each on the Delhi–Dubai route.

The reduced services will operate subject to slot availability and prevailing conditions, meaning further changes remain possible depending on operational restrictions.

Passengers affected by cancellations have been offered:

• Free rebooking to a future date
• Full refunds for unused tickets

The airlines also stated they are working to bring stranded passengers home as quickly as possible.

IndiGo Also Reschedules Flights

India’s largest carrier, IndiGo, has also modified its schedule due to the restrictions. Several flights between India and the UAE have been rescheduled or cancelled, as airlines comply with revised airport operating rules.

Passengers have been advised to check flight status online before travelling to the airport.

UAE Airlines Operating Limited Flights

The disruption is not limited to Indian carriers. Major UAE airlines have also scaled back operations. Carriers including:

• Emirates
• Etihad Airways
• flydubai
• Air Arabia

are currently operating reduced schedules or limited services while regional aviation restrictions remain in place.

Some airlines have resumed selected flights and are offering flexible rebooking or refund options for affected passengers.

Why Flights Are Being Restricted

The flight curtailments come amid ongoing airspace disruptions across parts of the Middle East, which have forced airlines to reduce operations and modify routes for safety reasons.

As a result:

• Many regular international flights remain suspended.
• Only limited or special services are operating between major Gulf airports and India.

What Travellers Should Do Now

Passengers travelling between India and the UAE in the coming days should:

• Check flight status directly with airlines
• Avoid heading to the airport without confirmation
• Use the rebooking options offered by airlines
• Monitor official updates from airlines and airports.

With the situation evolving, airlines say schedules may continue to change depending on airspace availability and airport capacity.

The post UAE Airport Restrictions Force Flight Cuts; Air India, IndiGo Adjust India Routes appeared first on .