Airports remain operational but with restrictions, and many passengers, including stranded Indian travellers in the United Arab Emirates, are struggling to find affordable flights home.

India continues to operate flights to and from Abu Dhabi, but ticket prices have surged due to high demand, fewer available flights and a spike in jet fuel costs linked to the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran.

Limited flights from Abu Dhabi to Delhi

Direct flights from Abu Dhabi to New Delhi remain scarce this week, with only one or two services operating daily. The limited availability has pushed ticket prices significantly higher than usual.

Travellers attempting to return to India are facing steep fares, with most tickets priced well above typical rates.

 March 12:

Only one direct flight operated by Etihad Airways is available, priced at about ₹54,166. Normally, similar flights cost between ₹10,000 and ₹21,500, according to Google Flights.

March 13:

A single Etihad economy-class flight is available, costing around ₹43,658.

March 14:

Two airlines are operating direct flights. Air India Express offers the lowest fare at about ₹39,285, while Etihad’s ticket is priced at around ₹69,678.

March 15:

Only one Etihad flight is available, priced at approximately ₹41,907.

March 16:

IndiGo is offering a flight priced at about ₹44,283, while Etihad’s service costs around ₹69,678.

March 17:

IndiGo’s direct flight is priced at roughly ₹59,245, with Etihad’s ticket costing about ₹69,678.

March 18:

Prices remain similar to the previous day, with IndiGo tickets at around ₹59,245 and Etihad fares close to ₹69,678.

Flights from Delhi to Abu Dhabi

Flights from New Delhi to Abu Dhabi are also operating, though schedules remain subject to changing airspace restrictions due to the conflict.

Compared to the busy Delhi–Dubai route, services to Abu Dhabi remain limited.

March 12:

Only one Etihad flight is available, priced at about ₹69,139. Typically, fares on this route range between ₹14,500 and ₹24,000.

March 13:

A single Etihad flight continues to operate, with fares again around ₹69,139.

March 14:

Air India Express is offering a significantly cheaper option at ₹18,296, while Etihad’s ticket costs around ₹53,630.

March 15:

Only one Etihad flight is available, priced at about ₹53,630.

March 16:

IndiGo is operating a flight priced at around ₹40,193, while Etihad’s service costs about ₹47,367.

March 17:

IndiGo’s ticket is priced at roughly ₹33,961, while Etihad’s fare is around ₹39,613.

March 18:

Two flights are currently available — IndiGo at about ₹33,961 and Etihad at roughly ₹53,630.

Travel analysts say that on days when only one flight operates on the route, ticket prices rise sharply. In some cases, fares are nearly four times higher than those for flights on the busier Delhi–Dubai corridor.