Restrictions imposed by Dubai on Indian airlines are coming under increased scrutiny as the ongoing Gulf conflict disrupts regional air operations and tightens available capacity.
Indian carriers operating to and from the UAE have reportedly been facing limitations related to flight frequencies, slot allocations, and operational flexibility. While such curbs have existed under bilateral air service agreements, the current geopolitical situation has amplified their impact, industry stakeholders say.
With parts of Middle Eastern airspace affected by security concerns and rerouting requirements, airlines are being forced to operate longer flight paths, increasing fuel burn and reducing efficiency. In this environment, restrictions on capacity expansion in key hubs like Dubai are limiting the ability of Indian carriers to adjust and maintain service levels.
Aviation experts note that Gulf carriers, which typically enjoy broader access and established hub networks, are better positioned to absorb disruptions, while Indian airlines face constraints in scaling operations to meet shifting demand patterns.
The situation has also affected air cargo movement, with reduced belly capacity on passenger flights and tighter freighter availability pushing up freight rates. Exporters and logistics providers have flagged delays and rising costs, particularly on routes linking India with Europe and North America via Middle Eastern hubs.
Industry bodies are now calling for a review of bilateral arrangements to allow greater operational flexibility for Indian carriers during periods of disruption. They argue that easing restrictions could help stabilize passenger and cargo flows while ensuring competitive parity in the market.
As the Gulf conflict continues to impact aviation networks, the spotlight is likely to remain on regulatory frameworks governing international air services and their ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions.
