Gulf flight cancellations impact Kolkata, Bengaluru airports due to West Asia crisis

On March 4, 2026, flight operations experienced significant disruptions across India, particularly impacting Kolkata and Bengaluru airports, due to the escalating conflict in West Asia. Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport reported the cancellation of five flights to and from Gulf nations, affecting key cities like Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Officials cited the ongoing conflict as the reason for these cancellations, which occurred between midnight and 1:30 PM IST. Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport bore the brunt of these disruptions, with 34 international flights cancelled. These cancellations included 18 arrivals and 16 departures, attributed to airspace restrictions that were in effect until 11:59 PM IST on March 4. The affected routes linked Bengaluru to major West Asian cities such as Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Dubai, and Doha. In response to the passenger distress, the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) established a help desk at Terminal 2 to manage queries and provide on-ground assistance, including coordinating ground transport and emergency services. These incidents are part of a broader pattern of flight cancellations and disruptions affecting India and the wider Gulf region. The conflict in West Asia, involving the US, Israel, and Iran, led to widespread airspace closures and restrictions, impacting over 1,600 flights operated by Indian and foreign airlines cumulatively. The Ministry of Civil Aviation reported that as of March 4, 2026, 1,221 flights by Indian carriers and 388 by foreign carriers had been cancelled. Several airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express, were actively involved in operating special flights to repatriate stranded passengers. IndiGo planned to operate 30 flights, while Air India and Air India Express aimed for 23 flights on March 4, totaling 58 special services between India and the Gulf region. These efforts are crucial for facilitating the movement of thousands of stranded travelers, including workers, business travelers, and families. Airlines like Emirates had also announced suspensions of scheduled flights, with Emirates extending its suspension of flights to and from Dubai until March 7, 2026, due to ongoing airspace closures. The situation necessitated extensive adjustments, with airlines employing alternative routes to avoid restricted airspace, leading to longer flight times for long-haul services. Authorities, including the Ministry of Civil Aviation, continuously monitored the evolving situation, emphasizing passenger safety and urging travelers to check the latest flight status directly with their airlines and rely on official sources for updates. The Ministry also monitored airfares to prevent undue surges and advised airlines to ensure transparent communication and adherence to passenger protection rules regarding refunds and rescheduling. The disruptions underscored the interconnectedness of global air traffic and the vulnerability of aviation to regional instability. The news category falls under Aviation, International Relations, and Travel, with the primary affected countries being India and various nations in the Middle East. The urgency is high due to the immediate impact on thousands of travelers and the potential for further disruptions. The importance score is rated 7 due to the significant disruption to international travel and its impact on a large number of passengers, with economic and social implications. The source, Mint, is a reputable business and financial news publication in India, contributing to a high credibility score.

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