Pravasi Samwad New Delhi Bureau
With tensions still high, airlines across Europe, Asia and the Middle East are continuing to review routes and schedules to ensure the safety of passengers and crew
PRAVASISAMWAD.COM
Major Indian airlines have suspended flights to the Middle East after the conflict between Israel and Iran intensified, leading to strikes across several countries in the region.
Air India and IndiGo announced cancellations following reports of bombings in key cities, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman and Riyadh. Attacks have also been reported in parts of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Jordan, raising serious safety concerns for commercial aviation.
- Air India confirmed that all its flights to Middle Eastern destinations have been suspended until further notice
- IndiGo similarly announced that all flights to and from the Middle East have been cancelled until midnight
Air India confirmed that all its flights to Middle Eastern destinations have been suspended until further notice. In a public statement, the airline said passenger and crew safety remains its top priority. It added that it is closely monitoring the situation and will adjust operations as needed. The airline has also assured support to affected passengers.
IndiGo similarly announced that all flights to and from the Middle East have been cancelled until midnight, citing evolving airspace restrictions around Iran and neighbouring regions. The airline stated that it continues to assess developments and will make further decisions based on safety considerations.
The disruption is not limited to Indian carriers. Several international airlines have also suspended or rerouted services due to airspace closures and security risks. These include Air France, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines and Wizz Air.
Meanwhile, some Gulf airlines suspend and reroute flights amid regional airspace closures.
Passengers travelling across the Gulf and wider Middle East are facing disruption after several countries temporarily closed their airspace following recent regional developments. Airlines have suspended and rerouted services, while airport authorities are urging travellers to check for updates before heading out.
Oman Airports has advised passengers flying to destinations that may be affected to contact their airlines directly before travelling to the airport. The authority warned that sudden airspace closures could lead to delays or schedule changes at short notice.
National carrier Oman Air has temporarily suspended flights to and from Baghdad. The airline said the rest of its network continues to operate as planned. Where necessary, flights are being rerouted using paths that are well away from conflict areas. Travellers have been strongly encouraged to check their flight status before departure.
Low-cost carrier SalamAir confirmed that its flights to Doha have been cancelled. The airline said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation and will provide updates as required.
India’s IndiGo stated that it is monitoring developments related to Iran and its airspace. The airline stressed that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority and said it is ready to adjust operations if needed. Customers will be informed promptly of any changes.
Dubai-based Flydubai reported that some flights have been affected by the closure of Iraqi airspace. Meanwhile, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have also shut their airspace temporarily.
Turkey’s Turkish Airlines has cancelled flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Jordan until March 2. Services to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman were cancelled for February 28.
Travellers are advised to remain alert, monitor official updates and confirm flight details before setting off for the airport.
