Air India Suspends UAE, Saudi, Qatar and Israel Flights as Crisis Shows No Signs of Easing

Amid the escalating Middle East crisis, major Indian carriers, including Air India and SpiceJet, have again suspended several international flight operations, prompting the aviation ministry to activate round-the-clock passenger support. The Ministry of Civil Aviation said its Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) is continuously monitoring the situation and responding to traveller concerns through multiple platforms. The move comes as regional tensions disrupt airspace availability and airline operations across West Asia.

In an official statement, the ministry said the PACR has already resolved 411 passenger grievances during the ongoing disruption, working in coordination with airlines and airport operators. Authorities have also shared helpline numbers from Indian embassies with affected passengers to facilitate assistance abroad. Travellers can seek help via the AirSewa portal, the ministry’s social media handles, or dedicated helplines, which officials said are being prioritised to manage the surge in queries.

Air India announced it has extended the suspension of all flights to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Qatar until 11:59 pm IST on March 2, citing the continuing regional situation. The airline also cancelled several Europe-bound services and their return legs, including flights between Amritsar and Birmingham, Delhi and Zurich, Delhi and Copenhagen, and Birmingham and Delhi. However, the carrier said most other services to Europe and North America will continue using alternative air corridors.

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The airline noted that flights to New York’s JFK and Newark Liberty airports will operate with technical stops at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport due to airspace constraints. Air India said it is closely monitoring safety, security and operational feasibility before taking further decisions. The carrier added that affected passengers are being informed through registered contact details and will be offered alternative travel arrangements where possible.

Budget carrier SpiceJet also continued the suspension of all its UAE services on Monday and advised passengers to check flight status before heading to airports. Meanwhile, Akasa Air cancelled flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait and Riyadh for the day, offering impacted travellers either full refunds or free rescheduling for bookings affected through March 7, 2026.

Airlines emphasised that passenger and crew safety remains the top priority as they assess the evolving geopolitical situation. With uncertainty persisting across key Middle East airspaces, authorities have urged travellers to stay updated through official airline channels and government helplines while contingency measures remain in force.

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