444 Indian Flights Cancelled as Iran-Israel-US Conflict Closes Middle East Airspace, DGCA on Alert

1
49
India flight cancellations Middle East airspace Iran Israel conflict DGCA 2026

India’s aviation network is facing significant turbulence after escalating hostilities in West Asia forced the closure of crucial air corridors, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) confirmed that 444 flights are expected to be cancelled on Sunday, following 410 cancellations reported a day earlier. The sudden spike comes after military exchanges involving Iran, Israel, and the United States led to restrictions over Iranian and nearby regional airspace.

Key Routes Disrupted

Airlines operating between India, Europe, and parts of the Gulf traditionally rely on Middle Eastern airspace for shorter and fuel-efficient routes. With those corridors temporarily inaccessible, carriers are either rerouting flights over longer paths or grounding services altogether.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is closely coordinating with airlines to ensure passenger safety remains the top priority. Officials said all operational decisions are being made in line with international aviation safety standards.

Airports on High Alert

Major airports across India have activated emergency protocols to handle potential diversions and manage passenger congestion. Senior officials have been deployed at terminals to supervise crowd control, assist stranded travellers, and streamline operations.

The Passenger Assistance Control Room set up by the Ministry is monitoring developments in real time. Travellers have been advised to verify flight status with their respective airlines before leaving for the airport to avoid inconvenience.

AirSewa and Embassy Support

The government’s digital grievance platform, AirSewa, recorded over 200 passenger complaints on February 28, with authorities resolving many cases swiftly. The portal allows flyers to submit issues and track responses, helping reduce confusion during the crisis.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh has activated 24-hour helplines to support citizens stranded in Saudi Arabia due to travel disruptions. Indian carriers including Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and Akasa Air have assured passengers of assistance and regular updates.

Authorities Focus on Damage Control

With tensions showing little sign of immediate de-escalation, aviation authorities are working around the clock to minimize disruption. Officials emphasized that passenger safety will not be compromised, even if it means prolonged delays or additional cancellations.

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here