Air India Brings Home 149 Stranded Passengers from Dubai Amid Middle East Crisis

New Delhi, March 2026 : India’s national carrier Air India on Tuesday successfully repatriated 149 stranded passengers from Dubai, marking the first such operation by an Indian airline amid the ongoing situation in the Middle East. The special flight provided significant relief to passengers who had been unable to return home due to disruptions caused by prevailing regional circumstances.

According to the airline, flight AI916D landed safely at Delhi Airport at 10:58 am IST. The aircraft, registered as VT-EDC, carried 149 passengers who had been stranded in Dubai for several days. The successful landing underscored Air India’s efforts to ensure continuity of essential air services during extraordinary and challenging conditions.

In an official statement, the airline said it was pleased to welcome back the stranded passengers on board AI916D. It confirmed that this was the first flight operated by an Indian carrier to facilitate the return of passengers during the current Middle East crisis, highlighting the national carrier’s proactive response and commitment to public service.

Earlier in the day, Air India also operated another special flight, AI918D, which brought back 143 cockpit and cabin crew members of Air India and Air India Express who had similarly been stranded in Dubai. The safe return of airline personnel was a major relief for the organisation as well as for the families of the crew members, who had been anxiously awaiting their arrival.

The airline said that its Operations Control Centre, along with multiple supporting teams, has been working round the clock to plan and execute these special flights. Operating under extraordinary circumstances, the teams coordinated logistics, crew availability, regulatory clearances, and flight operations to ensure that both passengers and staff could return safely.

Air India emphasised that close coordination with all concerned authorities was maintained throughout the process to ensure smooth execution of the operations. The airline acknowledged the crucial role played by various stakeholders in enabling the flights under challenging conditions.

Expressing gratitude, Air India thanked the Government of India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and local authorities in Dubai for their cooperation and timely support. The airline said that such coordinated efforts were instrumental in facilitating the safe and efficient return of stranded passengers and crew members.

Reiterating its core commitment, Air India stated that the safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew remain its top priority. The airline added that it is continuously monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and remains in constant communication with Dubai Airports and other relevant authorities.

Air India also indicated that it is exploring the possibility of operating additional flights at the earliest, subject to necessary regulatory approvals and operational feasibility, to assist more passengers affected by the situation and to restore normal services as conditions permit.