Middle East Crisis: Air India Cancels Flights Amid Airspace Closures
Air India has cancelled numerous international flights, including those to Europe and North America, due to widespread Middle East airspace closures. This follows escalated conflict after US-Israel strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation, severely disrupting global aviation and stranding thousands of passengers.
Key Highlights
- Air India cancels multiple international flights to Europe, North America.
- Middle East airspace widely closed due to US-Israel-Iran conflict.
- Thousands of passengers stranded globally as airlines reroute or halt services.
- Indian aviation regulator advises avoiding airspace of 11 regional countries.
- Operational costs for airlines surge due to longer rerouted flight paths.
- Other Indian carriers like IndiGo also significantly impacted by disruptions.
The global aviation sector is experiencing severe disruption as Air India and other carriers cancel numerous international flights due to escalating conflict and widespread airspace closures across the Middle East. The crisis intensified following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on targets in Iran on February 28, 2026, which reportedly resulted in the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This was met with retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran targeting US military bases and several Gulf countries, further destabilizing the region.
As a direct consequence of these hostilities, the airspace over multiple Middle Eastern nations, including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, has been either completely closed or severely restricted for commercial flights. India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an advisory urging airlines to avoid the airspace of 11 countries in the region until at least March 2, 2026, due to paramount safety concerns. This unprecedented situation has forced airlines to either cancel services or undertake extensive rerouting, significantly impacting flight durations and operational costs.
Air India, India's national carrier, confirmed the cancellation of a substantial number of international flights scheduled for March 1, 2026. These cancellations followed an initial announcement of suspended services on February 28, 2026. The affected routes include major long-haul destinations in Europe and North America, such as London, New York, Paris, Frankfurt, Chicago, Toronto, Amsterdam, Zurich, Milan, Vienna, and Copenhagen. Additionally, flights to various Middle Eastern cities have also been halted. Air India stated that these decisions were made in the interest of the safety and security of its passengers and crew, following a continuous assessment of the rapidly evolving regional situation.
Beyond Air India, other prominent Indian airlines, including IndiGo, have also been severely impacted. IndiGo has cancelled a significant number of international flights and extended the temporary suspension of services that utilize Middle Eastern airspace until March 2, 2026. Reports indicate that Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have also faced substantial disruptions, with a total of approximately 410 domestic carrier flights cancelled on February 28 and another 444 expected on March 1 due to the airspace restrictions. This has left thousands of passengers stranded at various Indian airports, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Amritsar, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, facing significant uncertainty and inconvenience.
The geopolitical tensions have created a "geopolitical risk premium" for the Indian aviation sector, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities such as fuel cost sensitivity and currency fluctuations. Rerouting flights around the closed airspace necessitates greater fuel consumption, adding 45 to 120 minutes to flight times and significantly increasing operational expenditures. Aviation analysts estimate that detours could add approximately $6,000 to $7,500 per flight hour in operating costs, affecting crew schedules, maintenance, and potentially leading to a decline in passenger traffic to the region. The Ministry of Civil Aviation in India is closely coordinating with airlines to ensure compliance with safety regulations and assist affected passengers. Several international airlines, beyond Indian carriers, have also suspended or rerouted flights, highlighting the global impact of this conflict on air travel between Asia, Europe, and North America.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are flights being cancelled across the Middle East and to India?
Flights are being cancelled due to a significant escalation in the Middle East conflict, specifically following coordinated US-Israel military strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory attacks by Iran on US bases and several Gulf countries. This has led to widespread airspace closures and restrictions across the region for safety reasons.
Which airlines are affected by the Middle East crisis?
Major Indian carriers like Air India and IndiGo are significantly affected, with numerous flight cancellations to Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Other international airlines have also suspended or rerouted services, causing global disruption.
What should passengers do if their flights are cancelled?
Affected passengers are being offered assistance such as rescheduling, refunds, or alternative arrangements by airlines. Passengers are advised to check their flight status directly with their respective airlines before heading to the airport and to stay in contact for further updates.
What is the broader impact of this conflict on aviation?
The conflict has created a 'geopolitical risk premium' for airlines, leading to increased operational costs due to longer rerouted flight paths and higher fuel consumption. It has disrupted major international aviation corridors, leading to global delays and thousands of stranded travelers.
When did the latest escalation in the Middle East conflict occur?
The latest major escalation, involving US-Israel strikes on Iran and Iran's retaliation, began on February 28, 2026, and continued into March 1, 2026, leading to immediate and widespread airspace closures.
