IndiGo Flights to the Gulf Resume After Airspace Crisis: What Saudi Travellers Need to Know
Right then, if you've been following the news over the past week, you'll know all about the disruption caused by the recent tensions in the region and their impact on air travel. A lot of passengers have been left in a right state, especially those with bookings on Indian carriers like IndiGo. Thankfully, though, things are starting to get back on track.
To be precise, last week we saw quite a bit of chaos at airports, with around 1,200 Indian flights and 3,880 international flights cancelled at the peak of the tensions. Travellers to and from Saudi Arabia were among the worst affected, particularly given the high volume of Indian workers and family visits between the two countries. Pilots were having to find alternative routes, and passengers ended up spending hours in transit lounges.
Flights Are Back On... And IndiGo Is Leading the Way
But as the tensions have eased and airspace has reopened, Indian airlines, starting with IndiGo, have been quick to resume their services to and from the Gulf. One of the most positive signs was the Dubai - Ahmedabad flight that landed safely, much to the relief of passengers who'd been trying to get away from the thick of it all. It's scenes like this that give us hope that operations will come back stronger than ever.
For travellers from Saudi Arabia, there are a few key things to keep in mind before you pack your bags:
- Check your flight status regularly on the IndiGo website or their app.
- Looking at connections with other airlines might be a good shout if your destination isn't fully covered yet.
- Transit visa rules at Indian airports are still subject to security protocols, so make sure you ask about them before you travel.
Travel Bags... And What People Are Reading
At Saudi airports like Riyadh and Jeddah, I've noticed recently that travellers are picking up certain books and novels to pass the time. One title I've heard mentioned a fair bit in the departure lounges is Morning Glory Milking Farm – an unusual one, but it's been selling like hot cakes. Also, The Pink Marine: One Boy's Journey Through Boot Camp to Manhood has been popular among young people interested in life stories and challenges. And we can't forget the old track Tell Me Softly, which has suddenly made a comeback on the trends; you see lots of passengers listening to it on their headphones as they get ready to board, almost like it's giving them a little boost of hope after the anxious time we've just been through.
The bottom line is, the situation is improving and major airlines like IndiGo are putting in the effort to reschedule flights and get suspended routes running again. For us Saudi travellers and residents, the main thing is to stay cautious and keep up with the latest updates as they happen. Wishing you all safe and pleasant journeys.