Iran-Israel Conflict: Over 400 flights canceled across India as West Asia airspace shuts down
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, March 1, 2026: Escalating hostilities in West Asia following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran have triggered widespread airspace closures across the Middle East, severely disrupting flight operations in India. Airports across Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar, Bengaluru and Tiruchirappalli reported large-scale cancellations, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
According to sources, 100 flights — 60 departures and 40 arrivals — were cancelled at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Sunday. At Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, 125 flights — 67 departures and 58 arrivals — were called off.
At Tiruchirappalli International Airport, 33 flights scheduled for March 1 and five flights for March 2 were cancelled. Air India Express alone has cancelled over 110 flights due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Gulf region.
International carriers have also halted services. Emirates temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai until 1500 hrs UAE time on March 2.
Flight operations at Hamad International Airport remain suspended following the closure of Qatari airspace. SriLankan Airlines cancelled 12 flights amid the regional shutdown.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that 444 flights were expected to be cancelled on March 1, after 410 domestic carrier flights were cancelled on February 28. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is coordinating closely with airlines to ensure passenger safety and compliance with operational regulations.
At Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, five flights were impacted. A SpiceJet flight to Dubai was recalled midair after refuelling, while an IndiGo flight was diverted to Surat. Additional flights to Sharjah and Birmingham were also cancelled.
Passengers at Kempegowda International Airport reported last-minute cancellations, citing the Iran-Israel conflict as the reason. Many expressed uncertainty over when services would resume, especially for Gulf-bound travel.
The ripple effects have reached tourist hubs such as Dharamshala, where international visitors voiced concerns over disrupted travel plans. An Israeli tourist said her return flight had been cancelled and she was seeking alternative routes home, while other travellers feared prolonged uncertainty if tensions continue.
The aviation turmoil follows coordinated missile strikes by the United States and Israel targeting Iranian sites, with explosions reported in Tehran and other cities. Iranian state media claimed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the attacks, prompting a 40-day national mourning period. Authorities in Iran have heightened security, particularly in major cities.
With multiple Middle Eastern nations closing their airspace as a precautionary measure, global aviation networks remain under strain. Airlines are monitoring the situation closely, and further cancellations are likely if tensions persist.