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‘Demand Is Very Strong, We’re Only Constrained by Our Ability to Fly’: Air India Express Chairman Shares Big Update on Middle East Operations
Despite geopolitical tensions, airspace restrictions and rising fuel costs, Air India Express says travel demand between India and the Middle East remains robust as the airline restores its network and accelerates fleet expansion.
Dainik Diary – Authentic Daily News
The ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia may have disrupted flight operations across the region, but passenger demand for travel between India and the Middle East remains stronger than ever, according to Nipun Aggarwal, Chairman of Air India Express.
Speaking at an event in Abu Dhabi, Aggarwal said the airline’s biggest challenge is not finding passengers, but ensuring aircraft can safely operate amid changing airspace restrictions.
“Demand is very strong. We are only constrained by our ability to fly,” he said, highlighting the resilience of one of Air India Express’ most important international markets.
Strong Demand Despite Regional Uncertainty
Responding to questions about the evolving situation in West Asia, Aggarwal explained that the airline has continued operating wherever conditions have allowed.
He noted that the situation has remained highly dynamic since the beginning of the current financial year, requiring constant monitoring and operational adjustments.
Given the airline’s significant presence across Gulf destinations, developments in the region directly influence scheduling and route planning.
However, Aggarwal stressed that demand has remained consistently high, driven largely by the sizeable Indian diaspora living and working in the Middle East.
“As long as airports remain open and airspace is available, we will continue deploying capacity,” he said.
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Airspace Restrictions, Not Passenger Demand, Are the Main Challenge
Unlike concerns about falling passenger numbers, Aggarwal said operational limitations have posed the biggest hurdle.
Temporary airspace closures, longer flying routes and changing security conditions have forced airlines to modify schedules and increase operating costs.
Despite these obstacles, Air India Express has continued to operate services whenever risk assessments and local authorities have deemed it safe.
The airline, he said, continuously reviews the security situation in coordination with airport operators and government agencies before making operational decisions.
Network Restoration Gains Momentum
Air India Express also shared encouraging news about the gradual restoration of its international network.
According to Aggarwal:
Operations to the Middle East have already recovered to around 90% of normal capacity.- Flights to Europe and the United States that were temporarily reduced are gradually returning.
- Most previously suspended services are already back on sale.
- The airline expects its international network to return to pre-conflict levels from October, provided the regional situation does not deteriorate further.
The comments indicate growing confidence that international operations are steadily stabilising after months of uncertainty.
Fuel Prices Continue to Pressure Airlines
Although travel demand has remained healthy, Aggarwal admitted that higher fuel prices continue to affect airline profitability.
He explained that while ticket prices have increased, they are still insufficient to fully offset the sharp rise in aviation fuel costs.
According to him, the aviation sector remains highly price-sensitive, making it difficult for airlines to pass the complete burden of rising operational expenses on to passengers.
Transformation Programme Remains on Schedule
Despite external challenges, Aggarwal reaffirmed that the broader transformation of the Air India Group remains firmly on track.
Key initiatives currently progressing include:
- Fleet modernisation
- Expansion of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities
- Training infrastructure upgrades
- Brand transformation
- Customer experience improvements
While global supply chain disruptions have delayed some aircraft deliveries, the airline remains optimistic about the pace of future expansion.
50–60 New Aircraft Expected Soon
One of the biggest announcements from Aggarwal concerned fleet growth.
He revealed that the Air India Group expects to receive 50 to 60 new aircraft over the next 12 to 18 months, supporting both domestic and international expansion plans.
The airline continues taking delivery of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and expects to become among the first operators of the Boeing 737 MAX 10, once regulatory certification is completed.
Aggarwal also noted that Boeing has improved production rates, offering greater confidence that deliveries will accelerate in the coming months.
Looking Ahead
For Air India Express, the road to expansion is being shaped as much by global events as by passenger demand.
While geopolitical uncertainty and rising operating costs continue to create challenges, the airline believes its long-term growth story remains intact.
With travel demand between India and the Gulf staying resilient, international routes steadily returning, and dozens of new aircraft expected to join the fleet, Air India Express appears determined to continue its transformation despite a challenging global environment.
