Flights between India and key Middle East hubs like the UAE are gradually resuming after days of disruptions caused by regional airspace restrictions linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, have begun restoring limited operations to major airports such as Dubai International Airport, King Abdulaziz International Airport, and Fujairah.

The phased resumption follows several days of cancellations that left hundreds of passengers stranded across transit hubs in the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Air India, IndiGo announce additional flights

Air India said it has scheduled more than 30 additional flights yesterday (March 8) connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah to help bring stranded travellers back to India.

The airline has also announced a capacity expansion with 78 additional international flights between March 10 and 18, adding 17,660 extra seats across routes linking Delhi and Mumbai with cities in Europe, the United States, Maldives and Sri Lanka.

According to Air India’s CCO Nipun Aggarwal, the additional services are aimed at ensuring passengers continue to have reliable travel options despite global aviation disruptions.

Meanwhile, IndiGo confirmed it has restarted flight services to Europe and is currently operating from eight cities in West Asia, while closely monitoring the evolving security situation before restoring a full schedule.

The airline said it plans to operate 17 departures covering 34 flight sectors to eight Middle East destinations.

Government says over 50,000 Indians have returned

India’s Ministry of External Affairs said that more than 52,000 Indians who were in transit or on short-term visits in the Middle East have returned home between March 1 and March 7.

Of these, 32,107 passengers travelled on Indian carriers, while additional flights are planned in the coming days to assist more travellers.

Authorities said domestic and foreign airlines have worked together to ensure the safe return of Indian nationals amid ongoing airspace restrictions across the Gulf and West Asia.

SpiceJet adds relief flights

To help clear the backlog of stranded travellers, SpiceJet has also added extra services between Fujairah and several Indian cities.

The airline said the additional flights are aimed at assisting passengers affected by sudden cancellations earlier in the week and easing congestion at Gulf airports where travellers were waiting for onward connections.

Travel advisory for passengers

Airlines have urged passengers to check their flight status online before heading to the airport and ensure that their contact details are updated in booking records to receive real-time notifications about schedule changes.

With inputs from TOI, IT, ET

A new public safety law issued by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will come into effect on June 1, 2026, establishing a comprehensive legal framework aimed at strengthening safety standards across the emirate.

The legislation seeks to protect lives and property, reduce accidents and injuries, and ensure public services and products meet strict safety standards in line with international best practices.

Here is a breakdown of what the new law means for residents, businesses and visitors.

Who will oversee public safety in Dubai?

The law assigns Dubai Municipality, specifically its Environment, Health and Safety Agency, the responsibility of regulating and overseeing public safety across the emirate in coordination with relevant authorities.

The agency will have clearly defined powers to monitor compliance, enforce regulations and address violations.

New requirements for venues and events

Under the law, venues and event organisers must meet several safety requirements, including:

• Ensuring adequate lighting and ventilation
• Providing safe entry and exit points
• Limiting crowd capacity to prevent overcrowding
• Controlling noise levels to avoid hearing hazards

They must also install or provide:

• Firefighting equipment
• Emergency evacuation systems
• First-aid supplies
• Trained safety supervisors
• Alarm systems and safety signage
• A public safety management plan

Safety rules for buildings, equipment and beaches

The law also introduces safety standards for:

• Maintenance work in inhabited buildings and homes
• Electrical devices and equipment
• Swimming pools and beaches

Property owners, operators and service providers must comply with the regulations and guidelines issued by authorities to ensure public safety.

What responsibilities do residents have?

Residents and visitors are required to follow safety procedures and guidelines in public spaces and venues. This includes:

• Following safety instructions and evacuation procedures
• Cooperating with public safety supervisors
• Using equipment, tools and machines responsibly
• Observing designated swimming hours at beaches
• Avoiding restricted or staff-only areas

Handling explosives, fireworks, toxic or flammable materials without authorisation is also prohibited under the law.

Other prohibited actions

The legislation also bans several unsafe practices, including:

• Placing dangerous materials in waste containers
• Tampering with waste bins, sewer pipes or stormwater drains
• Selling or using unsafe tools or devices that do not meet public safety standards

Products intended for human use, education or entertainment must also include clear safety instructions in both Arabic and English.

What are the penalties for violations?

Anyone who violates the law or related regulations may face fines ranging from Dh500 to Dh1 million. Repeat offences within one year could result in fines of up to Dh2 million.

Authorities designated by Dubai Municipality will have judicial enforcement powers to document violations, issue reports and involve the police when necessary.

Can people appeal penalties?

The law allows affected individuals or entities to submit a written appeal within 10 working days after being notified of a decision or penalty.

Appeals will be reviewed by a committee appointed by the municipality, with a final decision issued within 30 days.

When will the law take effect?

The new public safety law will take effect on June 1, 2026. Entities affected by the legislation will have two years to comply, with a possible one-time extension approved by the Executive Council of Dubai based on recommendations from Dubai Municipality.

Public parking solutions provider Parkin has urged residents to remain vigilant against online scams and take steps to protect their digital identity.

In a recent advisory, the company warned users not to share personal information through suspicious messages or phone calls. Officials stressed that legitimate organisations will never ask customers to log in to their accounts or disclose confidential details through unsolicited communications.

The warning comes amid a rise in cyber fraud attempts targeting residents across the UAE.

Do not share sensitive information

Parkin advised residents to avoid responding to requests for personal details, passwords, or verification codes, especially when they come from unknown or unverified sources. Fraudsters often pose as representatives of official services in an attempt to gain access to accounts.

Residents are encouraged to verify the authenticity of any message or call before taking action.

Verify sources and report suspicious activity

The company also urged the public to check the official source of communications and report any suspicious activity through legitimate channels.

Authorities in the UAE have repeatedly warned residents about online scams, fake calls and phishing messages, which attempt to trick people into sharing sensitive information.

Cybersecurity experts recommend staying cautious and avoiding links or login requests sent through unfamiliar messages.

Residents who receive suspicious communications should ignore the request and report it to the relevant authorities.