Last Updated:March 02, 2026, 09:48 IST

Israel-US strikes on Iran and its retaliation have disrupted West Asia air travel, canceling 350+ Indian flights and stranding thousands in major airports.

IndiGo airlines on Sunday said that customers may opt for a full refund or reschedule until 7th March 2026. (representative image)

West Asia Conflict: The ongoing conflict in West Asia triggered by Israel-US strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliatory strikes have crippled air travel, as at least 350 Indian airlines’ flights were cancelled on Sunday, March 1, with Air India suspending 20 additional long-haul services to European destinations, including London, Zurich, Milan, Frankfurt and Copenhagen.

At Delhi airport alone, as many as 410 flights operated by Indian carriers were cancelled on February 28 amid escalating regional tensions. The disruptions continued into March 1, with at least 350 flights scrapped. On March 2, a minimum of 300 flights are expected to be affected as airlines grapple with operational constraints and rerouting challenges.

“In view of airspace restrictions arising from geopolitical developments in the Middle East, a total of 350 flights operated by Indian domestic carriers have been cancelled on March 1,” Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement on Sunday.

It advised the passengers to check their flight status with the concerned airlines and remain in close coordination with them for any required assistance.

The Ministry further asserted that it is in close coordination with airlines, airport operators and other stakeholders to proactively monitor the situation and facilitate necessary passenger support.

Major airports, including Delhi’s IGI, Mumbai’s CSMIA, and Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), reported scenes of significant distress as thousands of passengers found themselves stranded with little to no prior notice.

The cancellations add to the complete suspension of flights by all Indian carriers to 11 countries in West Asia, following air strikes in the region in the wake of the war between Israel-US and Iran and an advisory issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) valid until Monday.

Meanwhile, International flights such as Emirates have temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai until 1500hrs UAE time on Monday, 2 March.

Flight operations at Hamad International Airport in Doha remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

SriLankan Airlines has also cancelled 12 flights due to the airspace closure in the region.

Airlines Extend Cancellations, Issue Advisory

Air India has extended its suspension of flights to and from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Qatar until 11.59 pm on March 2, 2026, citing safety and operational concerns arising from the conflict.

In a statement, the airline said select Europe-bound flights scheduled for March 2 have also been cancelled, along with their return legs. These include services between Amritsar and Birmingham, Delhi and Zurich, Delhi and Copenhagen, and Birmingham to Delhi.

IndiGo is offering full flexibility and waivers for travel to and from the Middle East, wherein passengers can reschedule their flights at no additional cost or ask for a full refund of payment.

“Customers whose bookings are impacted may opt for alternate flight options or claim a full refund,” IndiGo said in a statement.

“In our continued effort to stand by you during this time, we are extending full flexibility and waivers for travel to and from the Middle East, along with other impacted international sectors, until March 7, 2026, for bookings made on or before February 28, 2026. Customers may opt for a full refund or reschedule at no additional cost,” it said.

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