Middle East tensions: Following the Middle East conflict, flight operations at two of India’s busiest airports, Indira Gandhi International Airport and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, were hit on Saturday. According to officials, at least 100 international flights were cancelled as airlines adjusted operations due to airspace restrictions in several Middle Eastern countries.
Over 100 flights cancelled across Delhi and Mumbai
At least 100 international flights were cancelled at the Delhi and Mumbai airports. As many as 35 departures and 36 arrivals were cancelled at the Mumbai airport, while 22 departures and 17 arrivals were cancelled at the Delhi airport, according to officials.
Delhi airport operator DIAL, in a post on X, said due to the current situation in the Middle East, some west-bound international flights may experience delays or schedule changes.
The conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran that started on February 28 has significantly impacted flight operations as some of the airspaces in the Middle East are closed. Many airlines are only operating a limited number of services.
- At Mumbai airport, 35 departures and 36 arrivals were cancelled.
- At Delhi airport, 22 departures and 17 arrivals were cancelled.
Air India issues advisory, suspends several services
Air India on Friday said it had suspended multiple flights to Middle Eastern destinations due to the evolving situation.
In an official statement, the airline said, “In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended.”
The airline added that it continues to monitor the security situation and airspace availability before resuming normal operations.
Air India also said some long-haul flights to Europe and North America are being operated via alternative routes, which could increase travel time.
IndiGo extends the waiver for passengers
Low-cost carrier IndiGo also cancelled several flights due to airspace restrictions.
In a travel advisory, the airline on Friday said, “In view of evolving airspace restrictions around Iran and the Middle East, all flights to and from the Middle East are cancelled.”
The airline added that passengers can opt for free rescheduling or full refunds if their bookings are affected. It also extended a cancellation waiver for Middle East routes to ease inconvenience for travellers.
IndiGo said its teams are continuously monitoring the situation and recalibrating operations to minimise disruption.
Why are flights being cancelled?
The conflict has significantly impacted aviation routes because many flights from India to Europe, North America and the Gulf normally pass through Middle Eastern airspace.
Several countries — including Iran, Israel and neighbouring regions — imposed restrictions on civil aviation operations, forcing airlines to either cancel flights or take longer alternative routes.
This has resulted in delays, cancellations and operational adjustments by airlines across India.
