Delhi Airport Cancels 100 International Flights Amid Airspace Closures

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), India's busiest aviation hub, witnessed over 100 international flight cancellations on March 1, 2026, as the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict triggered widespread airspace restrictions across the Middle East. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) confirmed that at least 60 departures and 40 arrivals were affected by Sunday afternoon, with the total exceeding 100 as the day progressed. The disruptions primarily impacted westbound routes to Europe, North America, and select Gulf destinations, forcing airlines to reroute, delay, or cancel services amid closed or restricted airspace over Iran, Iraq, parts of the Gulf, and other regional hotspots.

The cancellations stem from the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, prompting Iranian retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region. These exchanges have led to virtual airspace shutdowns in multiple countries, including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and parts of the UAE, as confirmed by flight-tracking data and aviation authorities. India's Ministry of Civil Aviation projected around 444 international flights by domestic carriers to be cancelled nationwide on March 1, following 410 the previous day, highlighting the scale of the operational crisis. Airlines like Air India cancelled dozens of long-haul services to cities such as London, Amsterdam, Zurich, and New York, while IndiGo and others suspended Gulf and westbound routes until at least late March 1 or beyond.

DIAL issued an advisory via social media, warning that west-bound international flights "may experience disruptions or schedule changes" due to the evolving political situation in the Middle East. Passengers were urged to contact airlines directly for real-time updates and to check official sources before heading to the airport. Stranded travellers reported long waits, with some facing delays of over 14 hours, as terminals saw crowds seeking rebooking, refunds, or alternative arrangements. The DGCA directed Indian carriers to avoid up to 11 Middle Eastern flight information regions, exacerbating the impact on routes that typically overfly the region.

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The aviation fallout has broader implications for India's travel sector, with major hubs like Mumbai also reporting significant cancellations—bringing combined Delhi-Mumbai figures to around 225 international flights affected. Global carriers, including those from the Gulf and Europe, have similarly grounded or diverted services, contributing to a regional travel chaos that has grounded thousands and disrupted connectivity. Experts anticipate continued volatility, with potential extensions of restrictions depending on the conflict's trajectory, raising concerns over oil price spikes and economic ripple effects.

As the situation remains highly fluid, with no immediate ceasefire and ongoing military actions, airport authorities and airlines continue prioritizing passenger safety and communication. Travellers with upcoming international plans, especially to or via the Middle East or Europe, are advised to monitor airline apps, official advisories, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation for the latest developments to mitigate further inconvenience in this unprecedented disruption.

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