Over 850 flights operated by Indian carriers have faced disruption following airspace closures across Iran and several Middle Eastern countries amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. The sudden restrictions have thrown global aviation schedules into disarray, forcing widespread flight cancellations and diversions and leaving thousands of passengers stranded at major transit hubs across the region. Key international routes connecting India to the Middle East have been particularly affected, impacting travellers and airline operations alike.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that airspace restrictions led to the cancellation of 410 domestic carrier flights on February 28, with an additional 444 flights expected to be cancelled on March 1. DGCA officials said major airports remain on high operational alert to manage diversions and facilitate passengers, with senior officials deployed on-site to ensure effective coordination between airlines and ground services. Terminal crowd management and passenger assistance are being closely monitored.

The Ministry’s Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) has been actively tracking grievances arising from the disruptions. On February 28, the AirSewa platform recorded 216 complaints, of which 105 were resolved promptly. Authorities are prioritising timely redressal of passenger concerns while coordinating with airlines to manage reroutes and minimise delays amid the evolving situation.

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International carriers have also been impacted, with Qatar Airways temporarily suspending all operations following the closure of Qatari airspace. The airline announced it will resume services only after the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirms that the airspace is safe, with a detailed operational update expected by 09:00 Doha time. Similarly, flight-tracking services indicate that at least nine Indian aircraft are stranded across Gulf airports, including four at Dubai International Airport.

Aviation stakeholders across India and the Middle East are coordinating closely to handle the crisis, rerouting flights wherever feasible and communicating real-time updates to passengers. The situation remains fluid as airlines await further clarity on when critical air corridors may reopen. Airports in the United Arab Emirates alone handle nearly 29% of India’s international traffic, highlighting the significant impact of the closures on regional and global operations.

Authorities have urged passengers to monitor airline notifications and maintain flexibility in travel plans while the crisis unfolds. DGCA and airport officials are continuing to provide assistance and coordination to mitigate the disruption. Meanwhile, travellers and airlines remain on high alert as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East persist, with the potential for further disruptions in air travel expected in the coming days.

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