Here is why domestic airlines such as Air India and IndiGo will truncate UAE flight operations

Domestic airlines such as Air India and IndiGo will truncate some of their flight operations to the UAE due to the upcoming travel restrictions imposed by the gulf state.

The development comes after reports cited the UAE government as saying that it will suspend visas for all foreigners with exception of diplomatic passport holders from March 17 in the wake of the growing coronavirus scare.

On its part, Air India will truncate some of its operations to the gulf state from March 18. Besides, IndiGo said that owing to the curbs, the airline will cancel some of its flights to Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi from March 17 until the travel restrictions are lifted.

"We regret the inconvenience caused to our customers, and will be refunding the full amount to the impacted passengers," the airline said in a statement.

However, a SpiceJet spokesperson said: "We are reviewing the situation on a constant basis. No cancellations have been planned yet."