In the wake of the disastrous crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad, there is uncertainty surrounding flight operations between the UAE and India. Ahmedabad airport was suspended from emergency operations and investigation for the time being, which has led to a delay, diversion, or grounding of several flights arriving and departing from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
UAE carriers such as Emirates, Air Arabia, Etihad Airways, and flydubai have published travel warnings while closely observing the situation on the ground. Some aircraft were diverted mid-air to Ahmedabad, while others were delayed for long periods of time as Indian aviation officials prioritized clearing debris, helping victims, and securing the crash area.
Passengers on flights from the UAE to Ahmedabad are advised to reconfirm their flight status before arriving at the airport. Dubai and Abu Dhabi travel agents say they have seen an increase in calls from anxious families, with numerous people asking for alternative routes to Gujarat. With the airport now gradually returning to normal under stricter controls, only a few flights can land and take off.
Though the full extent of the impact on UAE-India air connectivity remains dependent on the findings of the current investigation, the tragedy has caused shockwaves across both countries’ air corridors. Officials are working together to return to normal, but the air is thick with sorrow as foreign passengers unite with India in grieving this tragic loss.
