- Israel and Iran conflict has disrupted West Asian airspace
- Direct Delhi-London flights are suspended until March 9 with fares reaching nearly Rs 6 lakh for one-way trips
- Alternative flights involve multiple layovers, extending travel times up to 31 hours and increasing costs
A full-scale conflict between Israel, backed by the United States, and Iran erupted on February 28, 2026, after coordinated airstrikes on Iranian military and government sites. In the days since, missile exchanges, proxy attacks, and sweeping regional disruptions have followed.
As of March 3, the conflict has not only redrawn military lines in West Asia but also upended global travel routes, with airspace closures and diversions becoming the norm rather than the exception.
The ripple effects are being felt far beyond the Gulf. One of the most immediate consequences for Indian travellers has been the sudden disappearance of non-stop flights to London, one of the busiest and most commercially significant long-haul routes out of India.
Airspace Closures And A Shaken Travel Network
With parts of West Asian airspace either closed or deemed unsafe, airlines have been forced to reroute aircraft, cancel services or temporarily suspend operations. The closure of key corridors over Iran and the surrounding regions has particularly affected flights between South Asia and Europe, which typically rely on these direct pathways for the shortest travel time.
India's travel network has inevitably taken a hit. Experts like Dr Vandana Singh, Chairperson, Aviation Cargo, Federation of Aviation Industry in India (FAII) says, "longer routes directly increase fuel burn, crew duty hours, and maintenance costs, which eventually push ticket prices upward. Recent disruptions have already led to hundreds of flight cancellations by Indian airlines, creating supply shortages on international routes."
She adds that rising fuel prices linked to regional conflict further add to airline operating costs, making international travel more expensive for passengers.
No Direct Flights From Delhi To London
We checked multiple booking platforms and airline websites, and at least until March 8, there are effectively no regular non-stop flights operating from Delhi to London in the way travellers are accustomed to.
On the website of Air India, non-stop options from Delhi to London reappear only from March 9 onwards, and the pricing tells its own story.
For departures on Monday, March 9, the lowest fares are displayed as INR 5,97,17 (lowest fare), and prices go as high as Rs 6,02,510.
On the website of Air India, non-stop options from Delhi to London reappear only from March 9 onwards. Photo: Air India
In other words, if you are hoping to fly direct, you are looking at fares hovering around Rs 6 lakh and above for a one-way journey.
No flights till March 10. Photo: Virgin Atlantic
Another major player on the route, Virgin Atlantic, currently shows no non-stop flights available from Delhi to London till March 10. Even after that, fares climb as high as Rs 7,59,695 (7,078 Euros).
Cheaper Tickets Mean More Stops And Much Longer Journeys
For those unwilling or unable to pay Rs 6 to 7 lakh for a direct seat, the alternatives are hardly convenient.
The more affordable tickets now typically involve multiple layovers. In some cases, routes with three stops are being offered, stretching total travel time to as long as 31 hours. What was once a comfortable 9-to-10-hour non-stop journey is now a day-and-a-half marathon across continents.
The cheapest option has three layovers. Photo: MakeMyTrip
Even one-stop options are significantly more expensive than usual. For instance, Qatar Airways is offering a one-stop route from New Delhi to London via Doha. The price per adult on this route stands at Rs 1,40,859. While far lower than the non-stop fares currently listed, it is still steep compared to typical pre-war pricing on this sector.
Notably, this flight lands at Gatwick, which is about 45 km from Heathrow, adding further logistical considerations for travellers who had originally planned to land at Heathrow.
Even one-stop options are significantly more expensive than usual. Photo: MakeMyTrip
Direct flights from Mumbai to London are also unavailable now till March 8. Emirates one-stop options through Dubai begin at around Rs 28,266 and take nearly 26 hours, whereas alternative routings often exceed Rs 30,000 based on the destination airport and layover length, with some trips stretching over 30 hours due to complex paths.
Direct flights from Mumbai to London are also unavailable now till March 8. Photo: Air India
This stark gap between one-stop fares under Rs 50,000 and the single direct option topping Rs 9 lakh reveals a major market distortion. Middle East tensions have led airlines to reroute flights and limit airspace, slashing capacity on key India-UK paths and leaving travellers with higher costs, longer journeys, and fewer alternatives.
For passengers in India, the impact is immediate and tangible. Business travellers, students, and families with urgent plans are being forced to either postpone travel or pay unprecedented fares.
What Next For Travellers
Much depends on how long the conflict continues and whether regional airspace can reopen safely. Airlines are closely monitoring advisories and recalculating flight paths daily. For now, flexibility is key.
- Travellers planning a trip to London in early March may need to:
- Consider alternative European gateways and connect onward by rail
- Opt for one-stop itineraries despite longer travel times
- Postpone non-essential travel
- Budget significantly higher amounts for last-minute bookings
