Middle East Conflict Forces Indian Airlines to Cancel, Reroute Flights - Latest Updates
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Indian airlines have been severely impacted by the escalating conflict in the Middle East, with numerous flight cancellations and rerouting announced on Monday. The disruptions, which have entered their third day, have affected international flights operating through parts of Middle Eastern airspace. IndiGo has extended the temporary suspension of select international flights and is offering waivers for travel to and from the Middle East until March 7, 2026. The airline has also cancelled a Bhubaneswar-Dubai flight scheduled for Monday. Air India has suspended all flights to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Qatar until 11.59 pm IST on March 2, 2026, and cancelled select Europe services. The carrier has also announced alternative routings for Europe and North America flights, which will result in longer flying times. Akasa Air has suspended all flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait, and Riyadh for March 3, 2026, citing the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Passengers booked until March 7 may opt for refunds or free rescheduling. SpiceJet has cancelled around 19 flights between India and the UAE on Monday, citing the closure of UAE airspace. Indian airports have seen mounting cancellations, with 760 overseas flights cancelled over the past two days. Airports in Delhi, Kolkata, and Kerala have reported heavy disruption, with dozens of Gulf-bound services cancelled and airlines operating limited schedules. Authorities have set up help desks and urged passengers to check flight status before travelling to airports. The disruptions are expected to continue, with analysts noting that rerouting around closed airspace adds hours to flight times and deepens operational and financial pressure on carriers heavily exposed to Middle East routes. Delhi airport authorities have warned that westbound international flights may continue to see delays or schedule changes.
