Indian Airports Hit By 278 Flight Cancellations As Middle East Conflict Escalates

International travel through key Middle Eastern hubs remains severely affected as regional tensions continue to reshape air traffic patterns. Indian passengers in particular are experiencing widespread cancellations, extended delays and evolving advisories as airlines adjust their schedules in response to airspace restrictions.

According to updated information, 278 flights scheduled for 6 March were cancelled by Indian domestic airlines due to restrictions linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that operations remain under close review while airlines attempt to restore limited services wherever possible.

The situation has been especially volatile since airspace closures began on 28 February. Major transit hubs including Dubai, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain continue to experience significant operational strain. Many Middle East carriers have suspended regular flights, with only a handful of special services operating during limited safe time windows.

Also Read: SpiceJet Launches 14 Special Flights From UAE To Bring Back Stranded Indians

Indian Airlines Resume Select Routes But Large Gaps Remain

While the disruption is far from over, some Indian carriers have started reopening narrow corridors of connectivity. IndiGo has resumed services to Athens, Muscat, Jeddah and Madinah, in addition to operating select repatriation flights to the United Arab Emirates for stranded travellers. 

Air India has announced the gradual restart of flights connecting Jeddah with Delhi and Mumbai, as well as plans to operate additional long-haul services to Toronto, Frankfurt and Paris. These adjustments depend heavily on airspace permissions, and schedules are expected to change frequently.

Middle East Carriers Extend Suspensions

Several of the region's major airlines continue to keep their regular operations suspended. Emirates, the world's largest international carrier, has extended its halt on services into and out of Dubai until 7 March. Qatar Airways has issued similar updates, stating that its flights will remain suspended until further notice, with more information expected shortly.

These prolonged suspensions have left airports across India managing large numbers of stranded passengers. Reports indicate that around 180 flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru were cancelled on a single day because aircraft could not be routed safely through restricted corridors.

Also Read: UAE, Kuwait And Qatar Extend Visa, Waive Overstay Fines Amid Flight Cancellations During Middle East Conflict

What Travellers Should Expect

Passengers with bookings to the Middle East or onward destinations through Gulf hubs are urged to keep a close watch on airline updates. Many carriers are providing limited rebooking options and some are arranging special flights to cater to stranded customers. Queues at airport helpdesks remain long, and passengers are advised to contact airlines directly rather than rely solely on airport information boards.

For now, passengers planning travel through the Middle East are encouraged to maintain flexibility and regularly check for fresh updates before heading to the airport.