The escalating conflict in West Asia has affected thousands of flights via the Middle East, a key transit corridor for US to India travel. Flights operating via Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Jeddah have faced cancellations, delays, and route adjustments. To help you navigate travel disruptions, the Middle East airlines are offering flexible rebooking and refund options without levying date of change or cancellation penalty. IndianEagle.com, your trusted travel-booking partner, curated details of the Gulf airlines’ travel rebooking and refund policies.

Qatar Airways flights rebooking and refund policy 

Is your flight with Qatar Airways cancelled? No worries! In view of the ongoing Middle East conflict, Qatar Airways is offering to rebook cancelled flights for new travel dates through 31 May 2026, irrespective of origin and destination. Interestingly, the airline is offering two free date changes to the affected passengers.

Who are eligible for free rescheduling or a refund?  

If your one-way travel or round trip from USA to India or beyond is scheduled after 28 February or before 30 April 2026, you are eligible for Qatar Airways’ rebooking fee waiver and a refund from the airline.

Emirates flights cancelled? You can rebook or request refund

Being the most affected of all Middle East airlines, Emirates is offering flexible rebooking with a fee waiver to impacted passengers. You can rebook your Emirates flight tickets for travel by 31 May 2026. Or you can request a refund, which will be processed within 15 days.

Who are eligible for Emirates’ refund or free rebooking?

• International passengers scheduled to fly with Emirates between 28 February and 15 April 2026 can reschedule their flights for free or request a full refund, in case their travel is impacted or they make alternate travel plans.
• If you booked your Emirates flight with IndianEagle.com and your original travel date is within 72 hours, please contact us at +1800-615-3969 for free and priority assistance.

Etihad flights rebooking and refund options

Amid the war in West Asia, Etihad’s rebooking policy is not as flexible as that of Emirates and Qatar Airways. Etihad flights from USA to India or some other destination can be rescheduled without the airline fee for travel before or on 15 May 2026. If you wish not to travel via Abu Dhabi, you also have the option to cancel your Etihad booking and receive a full refund.

Who can rebook Etihad flights or get refund?  

Travelers who booked flight tickets on or before 28 February for travel up to 15 April 2026 can rebook on Etihad-operated flights or cancel their original booking without paying the airline fee.

Gulf Air’s rebooking and refund options

Gulf Air flights are badly affected due to the Iran-Israel conflict, and so are its passengers. The Bahrain-based airline is offering a liberal travel-rebooking option. You can reschedule and complete your travel with Gulf Air by 30 June 2026, without paying the airline’s change of date fee.

Who are eligible for rebooking Gulf Air flights or a refund

• Gulf Air is rebooking travel for those who are originally scheduled to fly via Bahrain before or on 15 April 2026.
• If you wish to cancel your travel scheduled on or before 31 March 2026, you can request a refund without Gulf Air’s cancellation penalty.

Saudia Airlines’ advisory for affected travelers    

Saudia flights between USA and India via Jeddah have also been disrupted amid the Middle East conflict. According to Saudia Airlines’ advisory for travelers, you can reschedule the cancelled flight to the same destination for travel within 14 days after the airline resumes operations on that route. Rebooking with Saudia won’t incur any additional charges. If you don’t wish to travel given the current situation, you can either hold the ticket value in the form of credit with the airline or cancel the booking for a refund. Saudia is offering one-time cancellation fee waiver.

The post Middle East Airlines Offer to Rebook Your Affected US-India Flights for Free; But There are Conditions first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

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The escalating tensions in West Asia are sending ripple effects in global aviation by dramatically triggering crude oil and jet fuel prices to soar above $100 a barrel (the highest since 2022). Even a moderate increase in fuel prices can affect airline economics, provided jet fuel being the single largest fare component in long-haul flight tickets, such as from US to India. It is forcing airlines to revise fuel surcharges and raise fares to offset additional operational expenses, amid the global fuel supply challenges.

Air India raises fuel surcharge in tickets

Hit by the jet fuel price hike, Air India increased fuel surcharge for both domestic and international flights. Come 18 March 2026, Air India flight tickets to USA and Australia will cost an additional $50 per passenger due to the fuel surcharge increase from $150 to $200, in addition to a usual fare hike driven by the changing demand-supply dynamics. Effective 12 March, domestic fares of Air India and its subsidiaries include Rs 399 as fuel surcharge per ticket.

Cathay Pacific doubles fuel surcharge

Another popular Asian airline operating flights between USA and India bypassing the Middle East airspace, Cathay Pacific has doubled the fuel surcharge for long-haul service. Cathay Pacific’s new fuel surcharge, USD149 (doubled from US$ 73), will apply to tickets issued on or after 18 March. The aviation fuel cost that has roughly doubled amid the soaring crude oil prices since the outbreak of conflicts in West Asia, is a major driver for the fuel surcharge increase.

Air France-KLM raises long-haul fares by $58

Of the European airlines providing safe travel between USA and India amid the Middle East travel disruptions, Air France-KLM’s flight ticket prices have soared by an additional US$ 58 per passenger, effective 11 March 2026. This fuel surcharge for long-haul economy flights varies depending on travel classes. However, the Lufthansa Group of airlines has a hedging system to indemnify international fares against the soaring fuel costs.

US airlines to respond to soaring fuel prices

US airlines are feeling the heat of a sharp rise in jet fuel costs, but they are yet to react to it. United Airlines’ CEO Scott Kirby is keeping a close watch on the Middle East war developments and said that UA flight ticket prices could soar in the coming days if the global fuel supply challenges further drive up the aviation turbine fuel price per barrel. Delta Airlines’ spokesperson echoed the same thoughts referring to the evolving situation in the Gulf region.

Thai Airways to raise fuel surcharge by 10-15%  

Since Thai Airways operates codeshare flights on some US to India routes via Bangkok, traveling with Thai Airways is not immune to an airfare and fuel surcharge increase. Reportedly, Thai Airways ticket prices may surge by 10-15% in the form of fuel surcharge in a bid to offset the rising jet fuel price. The airline said that travelers may see an approximate 15% fuel surcharge in tickets in the coming days.

Japan Airlines

Of the Asian airlines for safe US-India travel routes, Japan Airlines thinks it is too early to respond to the fuel price surge. JAL already has fuel surcharge as a fare component. As of now, Japan Airlines is not looking to revise the fuel surcharge before 1 April 2026. However, nothing can be said surely given unprecedented volatility of the geopolitical crisis.

To book or not to book summer travel now

“The history of international airfares in the aftermath of a global crisis like COVID-19 signals that this is the right time to book cheap flight tickets from USA to India for your summer travel, before airlines’ new fuel surcharge takes effect this month. When countries gradually reopened doors and travel rebounded after the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines increased fares manifold to recuperate their overwhelming losses to some extent. If the ongoing geopolitical conflict prolongs jet fuel price hikes, airline ticket prices will further burn holes into your pocket,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor of IndianEagle.com.

Indian Eagle discount coupons can help you offset the increasing airfares to some extent. Check out Eagle Deals at IndianEagle.com for your preferred itinerary and dates, and use the code IEUGADEIDTB to save additional $25 on Eagle Deals.

The post Air India to Air France: Airlines Raise Fares and Fuel Surcharge Impacting Your US to India Travel Costs first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

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Once again, the Middle East airspace has become turbulent for international flights between the US and India, Europe and South Asia, East Asia and Africa, and Europe and Australia. It is not even a year since the Middle East conflict troubled international travel in June 2025. The escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions 2026 have shut down several major airports in the Middle East, except Istanbul Airport, with transit passengers from the US, India and other countries stuck inside terminals. The temporary closure of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha Hamad International airports is also affecting the US to India travel.

Airlines suspend flights amid Iran-Israel crisis

Ensuring passenger safety against the Iran-Israel tensions, Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways have temporarily suspended their operations, including connecting flights at their hub airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Passengers who were about to take connecting flights to their destinations via the Middle East got stranded due to the precautionary closure of the airspace. Some India-bound flights from the US got diverted to Oman before reaching Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Some US-bound flights from India via the Middle East got diverted to Munich, as per various reports.

• Qatar Airways: Since the Qatari airspace is closed, Qatar Airways flights remain suspended on March 2.
• Etihad Airways: Etihad flights to and from Abu Dhabi will mostly remain suspended on March 6. Passengers holding valid Etihad tickets booked on or before FEB 28 for travel within March 10, 2026 can reschedule their travel on Etihad-operated flights through March 30, 2026.
• Emirates: Emirates flights to and from Dubai continue to be suspended through March 6. Emirates is open to rebooking your travel on alternate flights up to 30 April 2026 if your travel is originally scheduled on or before 31 March 2026.

In response to the current geo-political conflict, Kuwait Airways has also suspended all inbound and outbound flights for the time being. +965-1802050 is Kuwait Airways’ WhatsApp customer service number for the affected passengers. Only Turkish Airlines seems to be operating US-India flights via Istanbul, since Istanbul International Airport is not as affected as other Middle East airports.

Air India to reroute flights to/from New York and Newark through Rome

Air India flights to the US, Canada, and Europe are not immune to the worsening Iran-Israel conflict. The Middle East airspace closure and its impact on the surrounding regions forced Air India to suspend 50 flights to the West (the US, the UK, and Frankfurt) for March 1, 2026. The suspension of AI flights between Amritsar and Birmingham, Delhi and Zurich, Delhi and Copenhagen, and Delhi and Birmingham, is extended to 2 March, 2026.

The latest Air India news is that flights to North America and Europe (except the above routes) will be operating from 2 March as per the schedule, but the airline will reportedly use alternate routings, thereby increasing the flying hours. The below Air India flights to New York JFK and Newark EWR will take technical halts in Rome (Fiumicino Airport) until the geopolitical situation improves.

• AI119 and AI116 flights between BOM and JFK (via Rome)
• AI191 and AI144 flights between BOM and EWR (via Rome)
• AI101 and AI102 flights between DEL and JFK (via Rome)

Air India is open to rescheduling flights booked on or before 28 FEB 2026 for travel up to 5 March 2026 without levying any fee.

Passengers scheduled to travel to India or USA are strongly advised to watch out for airlines’ alerts and advisories. Save airlines’ customer helpline and emergency contact numbers for updates on your travel scheduled over this weekend or the next week. If your Indian Eagle flights to India or USA are affected by the Middle East crisis and the airspace closure, contact Indian Eagle customer support for rescheduling and alternate options.

Airlines that avoid Middle East airspace to operate US-India flights

US-India flights via Europe are unaffected in the current geo-political situation. Air France, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, and Swiss Air avoid the Middle East airspace for their US-India service. Similarly, Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Cathay Pacific are safe airlines for travel between USA and India amid the Middle East tensions. If you are looking to travel in March, check out IndianEagle.com or call +1800-615-3969 for best phone-only deals of Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and European carriers.

General advice for those scheduled to travel later in March 2026

Don’t panic if your travel is at least one week away from now. Keep checking your flight PNR status every other day. Do act only if it shows cancelled on the airline website or you receive an alert or cancellation notification from the airline or the travel agency.

The post Here’s How Middle East Conflict Impacts Travel between USA and India: Flight Delays, Diversions, Cancelation first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

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Just the US where travelers can cancel flight tickets for free within 24 hours of booking, India opens a 48-hour window for free airline ticket cancellation and rescheduling. Also, the civil aviation watchdog – DGCA has issued new refund rules and timelines for airlines, effective 26 March 2026, aiming to make air travel more transparent and accessible for Indians. No more worries about airlines’ hefty cancellation fees and refund delays! But there are some conditions. This is part of Indian Aviation’s broader plans including preventive guidelines for wheelchair service misuse at airports.

DGCA rules in free 48-hour airline ticket cancellation 

Effective 26 March 2026, DGCA’s new air travel rules empower you to cancel flight tickets and amend the reservation within 48 hours of booking without paying the airline fee. This is a great relief for many travelers who paid the airline fee in thousands of rupees for cancelling refundable bookings or lost the entire value of non-refundable tickets due to unprecedented events, like medical emergency or death-like exigency in the family. 

The free 48-hour flight cancellation and amendment rule is subject to certain conditions: 

• If you change your travel dates or upgrade your reservation to a premium class within 48 hours of booking, the airline fee may not apply except a fare difference.
• International flight tickets for travel within 15 days from the booking date are not eligible for free cancellation and/or rescheduling.
• The 48-hour void window is close to domestic travelers with their flights scheduled within 7 days from the booking date. 

DGCA revises flight ticket refund rules for airlines 

Starting 26 March, 2026, airlines’ refund timeline will improve, according to the new DGCA rules. India’s aviation watchdog, DGCA requires cancellation charges and refund amounts to be disclosed to passengers fairly and unambiguously at the time of booking flight tickets. It is a mandate for airlines to maintain absolute transparency about ticket cancellation fees and refund amounts through their contracts with travel agents and air-ticketing portals.          

• Airlines are directed to release refunds within 7 days of cancellation for flight tickets purchased through credit cards.
• Airlines should ensure that the refund timeline does not exceed 14 working days for flight tickets purchased from a travel-booking company like IndianEagle.com.
• Airlines shall not hold the refund amount in the form of a credit by default. The passenger’s consent must be obtained before airlines issue the refund in the form of a credit voucher.  
• DGCA’s new refund rules for airlines clearly state that all statutory taxes, user development fee (UDF)/airport development fee (ADF), and/or passenger service fee (PSF) must be refunded.
• Airlines must comply with the updated refund guidelines, irrespective of fare types, including promos, discounted fares, special fares, and tickets with non-refundable basic fares.        

Free name corrections in flight tickets

A 24-hour window for free name corrections in domestic and international flight tickets will also open for Indians, starting 26 March 2026. Misspellings of traveler names are not uncommon during a flight discount offer when cheap airline deals are booked in a hurry. Though subject to your identity verification by airlines, your misspelt name would be corrected within 24 hours of booking travel, without the airline fee for passenger name correction.

Also Check: A Guide on Major Airlines’ Policy for Passenger Name Correction 

Do 48-hour free airline ticket changes to US-India itineraries?

Most probably, no. DGCA India’s free 48-hour cancellation policy is valid for itineraries, one way or round trip, originating in India.

The post DGCA India Rules in Free 48-hour Cancellation and New Refund Timeline for Airline Tickets first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

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After 2025, a turbulent year in aviation, Air India is back on its transformation journey. Alongside the ongoing retrofitting of its existing Dreamliner fleet, the airline unveiled its first Maharaja Lounge at Indira Gandhi Airport. After a few years of large-scale renovation, the flagship lounge opened to take the world aback and silence its critics. Air India’s New Delhi airport lounge is a signature statement on contemporary luxury and Indian hospitality.  

Spread over 16,000 square feet, the lounge is spacious enough to host around 300 guests at a time. The interiors meticulously blend world-class luxury and traditional Indian designs. The lounge is divided into two distinct zones for premium guests of Air India flights: Expansive ‘Business’ section, and Exclusive ‘First Class’ section. The Business section has enhanced seating, elevated dining, and cozy workspace, whereas the First Class section offers more private facilities like sleep suites.

Location of Maharaja Lounge at Delhi Airport

Air India reopened Maharaja Lounge in the departure area of Terminal 3, New Delhi Airport. It is situated airside on the mezzanine level, after immigration and security checks, making it accessible only to international passengers cleared for boarding. It is easy to locate the lounge above the duty-free zone, following clear signage throughout Terminal 3.

Inside Air India’s Delhi Airport Maharaja Lounge: Exclusive Features

The Aviator’s Bar: The bar will offer an exclusive selection of wines and whiskies curated for the discerning traveler. Its interior draws inspiration from the historic 1932 Karachi to Bombay flight by Mr. JRD Tata, the pioneer of civil aviation in India. The ceiling is designed as the propeller of the first Puss Moth aircraft, celebrating Air India’s aviation legacy.

The Globetrotter’s Study: This is a serene cozy corner with a hand-picked collection of fiction and nonfiction titles for avid readers and working professionals. Besides, adequate power outlets and high-speed Internet connectivity make the Globetrotter’s Study an ideal place for peaceful reading or working.

Serenity Area: Air India’s Delhi Airport lounge has an enclosed area with individual recliners where guests can relax, rest, and rejuvenate before catching long-haul international flights to New York, London, Toronto, and other prime destinations. It has meditative ambience to calm the body and the mind.

Tarmac View Seating: Watching aircraft take-off and landings while sipping from a fine glass of wine or dining in an exquisite setting is a sheer luxury for frequent flyers and aviation enthusiasts. With that interest in mind, Air India got the seating and dining areas designed in the ‘First Class’ section overlooking the tarmac.

Sleep Suites: First Class guests are in for maharaja-like treatment in exclusive sleep suites with cushioned beds and ambient lights at the flagship Air India lounge at New Delhi Airport. After restorative sleep for a couple of hours, guests can wake up energized for international flights to USA from New Delhi.

Who can access new Air India lounge at Delhi Airport T3?

Starting 16 February 2026, Air India’s premium guests traveling in First Class or holding business class tickets for overseas trips can access the flagship lounge. The eligible passenger list is as below:

• Air India First Class passengers
• Air India Business Class passengers
• Maharaja Club Gold members
• Maharaja Club Platinum members
• Eligible Star Alliance First and Business Class passengers
• Star Alliance Gold members traveling internationally

The post New Air India Maharaja Lounge Opens at Delhi IGI Airport: Exclusive Dining, Royal Ambience, Luxury Interior first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

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India’s Union Budget 2026 revised the baggage rules for international arrivals, both Indian-origin and foreign-origin. It replaced the decade-old baggage regulations of 2016 by increasing the duty-free limit for imported goods to India from the US and other countries. Also, the customs duty relief on personal jewelry has got a little better for NRIs and OCI cardholders traveling to India in 2026. India’s new duty-free baggage allowance is effective starting 2 February, as per the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

Whom does India’s new baggage rules 2026 apply to?

The new baggage rules, 2026, including new duty-free limit, and strict customs guidelines, apply to all passengers of international flights to India from USA and other countries. It equally applies to those arriving in India by sea routes.

• Indian residents
• Tourists of Indian origin; NRIs and OCI cardholders
• Foreigners with a valid visa, other than tourist visa
• Tourists of foreign origin
• Crew members

What is the new duty-free limit for passengers to India?  

In the Union Budget 2026, the government of India raised the duty-free limit to Rs 75,000 for the arriving Indian residents, NRIs, OCI Cardholders, and foreigners holding valid non-tourist visas. Earlier, Indian Customs’ duty-free allowance was limited to Rs 50,000 on the total valuation of foreign goods imported to India for personal use. Under the bonafide baggage rules, 2026, the new duty-free limit is Rs 25,000 for foreigners (non-Indian origin) arriving in India by air or sea. Earlier, it was only Rs. 15,000.

New customs rules for bringing laptops to India

India’s new baggage rules, 2026, allow you to bring a new laptop or notebook free of customs duty in your bona fine baggage. You must be 18 years or above, and the new laptop or notebook purchased abroad must be for your personal or family use, or gifting, under Section 79 of the Customs Act, 1962. You have to pay the applicable customs duty on a second new laptop if the value exceeds the enhanced duty-free limit.

What if you carry dutiable goods to India beyond the duty-free limit?

On arrival in India, you need to pay customs duty on the amount minus the new duty-free limit of Rs 75,000, if the value of dutiable goods in your bonafide baggage exceeds the duty-free allowance.

Well, there is some good news for overseas Indians visiting the home country and resident Indians returning from an international trip. The new finance bill, under the Union Budget 2026-27, has reduced the customs duty to a flat 10% for all dutiable goods, from electronics to fashion accessories to high-end luxury items to gourmet food, that they carry for personal use or a non-commercial purpose like gifting (to a certain extent).

Effective from 1 April 2026, you will be paying only 10% as customs duty on the taxable value of imported goods, minus the duty-free limit of Rs 75,000, provided the dutiable goods are honestly declared through the Red Channel at Indian airports. Previously, taxable imports from abroad, though for personal use, attracted a basic customs duty of 20% or higher on the extra value.

“It means, starting in April 2026, the cost of bringing electronic items from USA to India for personal use or gifting will significantly drop. If you bring a new iPhone from USA to India, other than your personal one in use, you will have to pay a flat 10% customs duty on the iPhone price minus the duty-free allowance of Rs 75,000, and a social welfare surcharge at 10% of the applicable customs duty,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor at IndianEagle.com, your trusted travel-booking partner.

What foreign items don’t qualify for the flat 10% customs duty in India?  

The reduced customs duty won’t apply to alcoholic beverages, printed reading materials, tobacco products, cars, and items that require an import license.

How much gold jewelry can you bring under India’s new baggage rules 2026?

Under the new baggage rules effective 2 February 2026, India redefined duty-free jewelry allowance for Indians, both resident and overseas. The redefined jewelry allowance is purely weight-based now, irrespective of the value. Whether you are a resident Indian, or an NRI living abroad, you are entitled to carrying gold jewelry duty free to India within the following limits:

• 40 grams for Indian women and 20 grams for Indian men returning from an international trip
• 40 grams for Indian-origin women and 20 grams for Indian-origin men residing abroad for more than 1 year

This guide for NRIs and Indian-origin foreign tourists is brought to you by Indian Eagle, a leading US-based travel tech company and your trusted travel-booking partner. Check out the current Indian Eagle discount offer and use the coupon code IEHOLITB to get an additional $25 OFF on flights to India. The offer is valid through 28 FEB 2026.

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Indian Passport ranks 80th on the Henley Passport Index in 2026. It has moved up five spots higher than the ranking in 2024, enabling Indian Passport holders to visit 55 countries visa-free or with a visa on arrival in 2026. Only Iran and Bolivia have dropped from the list of countries that offer visa on arrival / visa-free entry to Indians with a valid US Visa or Green Card. Evidently, Indian Passport when backed with a valid US visa stamp or a Green Card exerts more power and influence at international levels.

Check out what countries Indians with Green Cards or US visas can visit in 2026 without applying for a visa in advance:

Visa-free Countries for Green Cardholders and US Visa holders

Singapore: 96-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Among visa-free countries for US Green Cardholders and Indians with a valid US visa, Singapore offers 96-hour visa free transit for guided city sightseeing tours. Since the Free Singapore Tour is available only for passengers of Singapore Airlines flights, many US visa holders and Green cardholders among Indians take advantage of the visa-free transit facility while traveling between USA and India through Changi Airport. The US visa stamp on your Indian passport must be valid for 30 days or more from your arrival in Singapore.

Qatar: Visa-free Doha Stopovers

Among visa-free countries for Green Cardholders and US visa holders, Qatar offers visa-free Doha stopovers to passengers of Qatar Airways flights. Qatar’s visa waiver for Indian passport holders from India and the US is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance at Doha’s Hamad International Airport, given they have a passport with minimum 6-month validity, confirmed return flight tickets, and confirmed hotel booking in Doha.

You can call Indian Eagle’s customer helpline +1800-615-3969 for phone-only budget flight deals of Qatar Airways from USA to Doha, or US to India via Doha. You can call the same number to explore Doha stopover packages and the best deals available at Indian Eagle.

Mexico: Visa-Free for 180 Days

Mexico is one of the countries that offer visa-free entry to Indians with Green Card or a valid US visa. You can stay visa-free in Mexico for up to 180 days. Cancun in Mexico is a most popular beach getaway for Indians in the United States. Just make sure your US residency permit or visa is valid at the time of entry to explore Mexico cities and beaches without any visa hassles.

Peru: Visa-Free for 180 Days

Peru is among the visa-free countries for Green Cardholders and US visa holders with Indian passports. You can stay in this South American country for up to 180 days in a calendar year. Minimum 6-month validity of your US visa is a must for visa-free entry to Peru from the time of arrival. Whether hiking to Machu Picchu or soaking in the charm of Lima is your travel goal, the US visa or Green Card makes it easier for Indians to visit Peru without a visa.

Philippines: Visa-Free for 14 Days

The Philippines offers visa-free entry to US Green Cardholders and US work visa holders among Indians. In addition to visa-free entry to Manila, you can holiday for up to 14 days. Your visa-free stay in the Philippines can be extended once for another 7 days. In certain cases, Indian passport holders don’t need a US visa to travel visa-free to Philippines, but they must present confirm return flight tickets, proof of accommodation, and financial documents.

Thailand: Visa-free Entry

Among visa-free countries for Indian passport holders, Thailand is the most welcoming destination in Asia. Irrespective of your US visa status or validity, you can visit Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days. Starting May 2025, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is mandatory for all inbound foreign travelers for legal entry into the country. to be filled online at least 3 days prior to your scheduled arrival in Thailand, the digital form replaced the old paper form and includes a healthy declaration too.

Bahamas: Visa-Free for 30 Days

Bahamas makes island travel easy for Indian passport holders with a valid US visa or Green Card. You don’t need a separate visa to enter, as long as your US visa is multiple-entry and has been used at least once to travel to the US. You can stay up to 30 days in the Bahamas visa-free, soaking in its beaches and clear blue waters. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months at the time of entry.

Visa-on-arrival Countries for Green Cardholders and US Visa Holders

UAE Visa-on-Arrival for Dubai and Abu Dhabi Stopovers

The United Arab Emirates tops the list of countries that offer visa on arrival to US Green Cardholders and Indians with a valid US visa. The UAE visa on arrival for eligible Indians is issued for 14 days of stay, which is extendable for additional 14 days for a nominal fee. The visa-on-arrival entry to the UAE has been expanded to Indians holding valid visas or legal residency permits from not only USA and Canada, but also Singapore, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and New Zealand. Your Indian passport and Green Card or US visa must be valid for 6 months from the date of arrival at Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Indian Eagle, the most trusted travel-booking partner for Indians in the US, has the best deals for Dubai Experience packages and ‘Visit Abu Dhabi’ tour packages, in addition to exclusive phone-only flight deals from Emirates and Etihad Airways. Indian Eagle’s air-ticketing and tour-planning team is available at +1800-615-3969 (24/7).

Oman: Visa-on-arrival/e-Visa for 30 days

The Oman visa on arrival for Green Card holders and eligible Indian citizens come for 30 days. Like other visa-on-arrival countries, Oman requires Indian citizens to hold a valid visa from the UK, Canada, the UK, Japan, or Schengen countries. Return flight confirmation and hotel reservation are pre-requisites for visa-on-arrival entry to Oman.

Sri Lanka: Visa on Arrival with ETA for 30 Days 

Among the visa-on-arrival countries for US Green Cardholders and Indian citizens without a US visa, Sri Lanka grants 30-day visa on arrival through an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online. It is simple and hassle-free. Sri Lanka’s visa-on-arrival requirements include your passport with 6-month validity, return or onward flight tickets, proof of accommodation, and financial support documents.

Bahrain: Visa on Arrival for 30 Days

In the Gulf region, Bahrain is on the list of countries offering visa on arrival to Indians with a US Green Card or visa. You can stay in this beautiful island country for up to 14 days on a single-entry visa or up to 30 days on a multiple-entry visa. Starting in October 2025, Gulf Air flights from New York to India make it easier for US visa holders and Green Cardholders to get Bahrain’s visa on arrival for a stopover. A 6-month valid passport, return or onward travel booking confirmation, accommodation proof and sufficient funds are mandatory.

The booking of customized tour packages in all these visa-free countries for Green Cardholders and Indians on US Visas is just a call away at Indian Eagle! Call our trusted travel advisors at +1800-615-3969 for budget-friendly stopover tour packages for family and individuals, as well as discounted phone-only flight deals.

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Since December 2024, Japan Airlines has been offering seamless connectivity beyond its two primary gateways – New Delhi and Bengaluru – through IndiGo, a leading Indian airline with the largest domestic market share. Precisely, IndiGo has been connecting Japan Airlines’ passengers to a broad domestic network from Indira Gandhi DEL and Kempegowda BLR airports as one of JAL’s strategic codeshare partners.

New Delhi and Bengaluru were the only destinations for Japan Airlines flights to India before its codeshare alliance with IndiGo. JAL, one of the best airlines with premium economy seats, operates daily flights to Delhi IGI Airport from/via Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT) airports. JAL flights to Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport from/via Narita International Airport have daily frequency. However, Japan Airlines’ connection between Narita and New Delhi is a temporary service, from 17 January to 1 March 2026.

Japan Airlines’ India network covers 18 cities through IndiGo

IndiGo facilitates domestic travel to and from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi, Pune, Goa, Varanasi, Lucknow, Amritsar, Surat, Chandigarh, Aurangabad, Coimbatore, Trichy, Thiruvananthapuram, and Leh (Ladakh) for Japan Airlines’ passengers via New Delhi and Bengaluru. The JAL-IndiGo codeshare partnership enables Indians from the US network of Japan Airlines to travel seamlessly to the above-mentioned 18 Indian cities on a single ticket.

“IndiGo is the wind beneath the wings of several international carriers, like Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, British Airways, American Airlines, and Air France-KLM for their market growth in India. Not just Japan Airlines, but all these carriers continue to find IndiGo as a reliable codeshare partner for its upgraded fleet, brand-new business class cabin (IndiGo Stretch), and largely, domestic network, and on-time performance. IndiGo is flexing its revenue muscle through codeshare alliances,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor of Travel Beats.

Reportedly, IndiGo, which is primarily branded as an economy airline, is looking to reposition itself with billion-dollar plans to add premium economy and business class to its product portfolio. Thirty A350-900 planes with premium economy and business class seats, which IndiGo has recently placed an order for, will help the airline align with premium passengers of its foreign codeshare partners and their expectations.

IndiGo, which was primarily branded as an all-economy airline for nearly two decades, is repositioning itself to cash in on business class travel. In November 2024, IndiGo Stretch, a brand-new business class product with a number of complimentary services, was rolled out to compete with Air India on metro-to-metro routes and cater to premium guests of its international codeshare partners. IndiGo Stretch features wider seats in a 2-2 configuration, with greater recline, extra legroom, adjustable headrests, and power outlets. IndiGo Stretch bookings include liberal cabin baggage allowance (12kg per person) and priority check-in.

Budget flight tickets of Japan Airlines and other major carriers flying between USA and India are just a call away. Call the toll-free +1800-615-3969 to grab Indian Eagle’s phone-only deals for affordable trips from USA to India and beyond. Indian Eagle, a leading travel-booking partner of Indian Diaspora and Americans, has been booking international flights at the lowest prices for nearly 20 years.

The post Travel on JAL-IndiGo Codeshare Flights to 18 Indian Cities beyond Delhi and Bengaluru on Single Ticket first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Travel on JAL-IndiGo Codeshare Flights to 18 Indian Cities beyond Delhi and Bengaluru on Single Ticket appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Aircraft shortage has been a major setback to Air India’s expansion plans, revival goals, transformation journey, and revenues since late Ratan Tata bought back the airline with its outdated fleet. Making the derelict, debt-ridden airline take off to great heights in full glory again proved to be more than a monumental task over time. Despite a multibillion-dollar order placed in February 2023 for a new wide-body fleet, global supply chain issues and geo-political tensions continued to delay new aircraft delivery, as well as retrofitting of the existing aircraft.

As they say every dark cloud has a silver lining, Air India welcomed 2026 with a brand-new B787-9 Dreamliner having arrived to New Delhi from Seattle on 11 January. The first Dreamliner, in the series of 20 Boeing 787-9s, will be inducted into long-haul passenger service in February, and 2026 will see a total of 6 new widebody deliveries including two A350-1000s, according to a media briefing from the Tata Group.

“The induction of an advanced Boeing aircraft into Air India’s fleet is like the dawn of a new beginning. The brand-new B787-9 is not just the first line-fit Dreamliner, it is a new hope for Air India to reclaim its dominance in the nonstop flights service corridor, like from USA to India. Inarguably, aircraft shortage is the principal reason for continued suspension of Air India flights to Washington Dulles IAD since 01 September 2025,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor at IndianEagle.com.

In addition to a Boeing 787-9, Air India took phased delivery of six widebody A350-900s as part of its historic Airbus order including 34 A350-1000s. The safest and best aircraft in Air India’s long-haul fleet, A350-900s have stabilized operations for nonstop flights from New Delhi to New York JFK, Newark EWR, and London Heathrow. Air India’s A350 flights with Premium Economy seats, best-in-class amenities, superlative inflight service, and choicest food have earned rave reviews from passengers traveling between New York and New Delhi.

B777-200LRs leased from Delta Airlines and B777-300ERs leased from Etihad could not survive the pitfalls of Pakistan’s airspace closure, such as rerouting of long-haul flights, refueling stops in Europe, longer travel time, stretched crew duty hours, additional fuel intake, and increased operational overheads. That’s why Air India decided to operate two key routes – San Francisco to Mumbai and Bengaluru – with short layovers in the US and/or India, starting in March this year.

The post After Welcoming New B787-9 in January, Air India to Resume Discontinued Nonstop Flights with More New Aircraft in 2026 first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post After Welcoming New B787-9 in January, Air India to Resume Discontinued Nonstop Flights with More New Aircraft in 2026 appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

“Air India cancelling San Francisco to Mumbai and Bengaluru flights starting March 2026, is in the news today. Travelers hit the panic button over their bookings for travel to India in 2026. We are experiencing an influx of queries, like when Air India would resume these routes, when they would be able to book these routes for their parents’ convenient travel on Air India,” said Dheeraj Dhuvvuru, CEO of IndianEagle.com.

The Air India news trending online is not true. In fact, Air India will continue to operate from SFO to Bengaluru and Mumbai through 2026, but flights are no longer nonstop or point to point. In fact, Air India flights from SFO to Mumbai and Bengaluru stopped being nonstop when Pakistan closed its airspace for Indian airlines in April 2025. For the past 9 months, Air India has been making route adjustments to bypass the restricted airspace and rerouting these flights with short fueling stops in Vienna or Kolkata (CCU).

Air India flights to and from San Francisco in 2026

San Francisco to Mumbai has one-stop or two-stop operations in Air India’s 2026 schedule. In some itineraries, Alaska Airlines being an interline partner will connect to Air India flights from New York JFK to Mumbai. In some itineraries, Air India will operate this long-haul route via Kolkata and Delhi as short layovers (1 to 2 hours each). The flight from SFO to Kolkata, and from Kolkata to DEL Airport is the same, AI 174 (B777-300ER). It means no aircraft change, no deboarding at CCU Airport. The leg from New Delhi to Mumbai (final destination) involves aircraft change.

Air India flights from SFO to Bengaluru will continue to have two pitstops – Kolkata and Delhi – in 2026.  But AI flights, BLR to SFO, are one-stop itineraries via New Delhi Airport. To be precise, nonstop travel from San Francisco to Mumbai and Bengaluru is a thing of the past. Domestic layovers are common in Air India’s international operations.

With Mumbai or Bengaluru being your final destination, Air India will be flying through New Delhi, one of the two domestic pitstops for flights originating in San Francisco. There is not only aircraft change but also terminal change at Delhi IGI Airport. You need to transfer from Terminal 3 to T2 at DEL Airport for domestic connection to Mumbai or Bengaluru.

Are Air India flights from SFO to Delhi nonstop? 

Since Air India is rerouting flights from San Francisco over Mongolian airspace between Russia and China, it has changed the course of SFO-DEL itineraries, which include a short refueling stop in Kolkata. There is no deboarding of passengers for aircraft or terminal change at Kolkata Airport during a layover of up to 1.5 hours.

Luckily, most of Air India flights from New Delhi to San Francisco are nonstop, and total travel time is 17 hours. B777-200LRs from Air India’s fleet will operate this route with fuel efficiency, spacious cabins, flat-bed seating (in Business Class), and other modern features.

Alternate options to Air India for SFO to India travel

Though the flying time from SFO to Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi has increased by 8 to 10 hours due to domestic pitstops, many Indians still prefer Air India over other airlines due to no international transit. If you’re looking for alternate options to Air India flights from SFO to India, you can check out Indian Eagle deals from other airlines or call +1800-615-3969 for phone-only budget deals. By the way, don’t give a miss to our Christmas-special flight discount coupons for your travel in 2026.

The post Air India Stops Flying Nonstop from SFO to Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru in 2026; Brace for Itineraries with Layovers first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Air India Stops Flying Nonstop from SFO to Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru in 2026; Brace for Itineraries with Layovers appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.