New Delhi | 28 Feb 2026

Escalating tensions in the Middle East following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran have led to widespread airspace closures, severely affecting international flight operations. As a result, nearly 180 flights operated by Indian airlines were cancelled due to safety concerns and restricted air routes across the Gulf region.

According to available information, the disruption impacted major Indian carriers, with IndiGo cancelling around 72 flights, Air India grounding over  31 flights, and Air India Express cancelling  almost 55 services. SpiceJet cancelled around 13 flights, while Akasa Air suspended around  8 flights, taking the total number of cancellations to nearly 180.

The flight suspensions followed reports of missile attacks and explosions across several Gulf nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, after Iran launched retaliatory strikes. Authorities confirmed civilian casualties in some locations, further raising security concerns across the region.

Air India announced the cancellation of all its flights to and from key Gulf destinations, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, Jeddah, Muscat, Dammam, and Tel Aviv, citing passenger safety as the top priority. IndiGo also issued a statement saying that all its operations to and from the Middle East and select international sectors have been suspended until 1 March 2026, 6:00 pm IST, as a preventive safety step. The airline expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and asked passengers for understanding during the evolving situation.

The situation remains fluid, and passengers are advised to stay in touch with airlines for the latest updates as air travel continues to face uncertainty due to the ongoing conflict.

Middle East Conflict Disrupts Indian Air Travel, Nearly 180 Flights Cancelled

Escalating tensions in the Middle East following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran have led to widespread airspace closures, severely affecting international flight operations. As a result, nearly 180 flights operated by Indian airlines were cancelled due to safety concerns and restricted air routes across the Gulf region.

According to available information, the disruption impacted major Indian carriers, with IndiGo cancelling around 72 flights, Air India grounding over  31 flights, and Air India Express cancelling  almost 55 services. SpiceJet cancelled around 13 flights, while Akasa Air suspended around  8 flights, taking the total number of cancellations to nearly 180.

The flight suspensions followed reports of missile attacks and explosions across several Gulf nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, after Iran launched retaliatory strikes. Authorities confirmed civilian casualties in some locations, further raising security concerns across the region.

Air India announced the cancellation of all its flights to and from key Gulf destinations, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, Jeddah, Muscat, Dammam, and Tel Aviv, citing passenger safety as the top priority. IndiGo also issued a statement saying that all its operations to and from the Middle East and select international sectors have been suspended until 1 March 2026, 6:00 pm IST, as a preventive safety step. The airline expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and asked passengers for understanding during the evolving situation.

The situation remains fluid, and passengers are advised to stay in touch with airlines for the latest updates as air travel continues to face uncertainty due to the ongoing conflict.