- West Asia tensions have shut major airspaces, causing global flight cancellations and delays.
- Airlines have roll out waivers, refunds and rebooking options as disruptions escalate.
- Travellers are urged to track advisories, update contacts and claim refunds where eligible.
As West Asia faces heightened tensions following the recent US–Israel strikes on Iran, the ripple effect on global aviation has been immediate and significant. Several countries in the region have closed their airspace, major hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha have suspended operations, and airlines worldwide have cancelled or diverted flights. With thousands of passengers stranded across continents and airlines issuing rolling advisories, understanding your rights - and knowing what each airline is offering - has become essential for international travellers.
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Why Are Flights Being Cancelled?
A series of retaliatory airstrikes and missile exchanges has led to airspace closures across Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE, affecting the busiest aviation corridor connecting Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Major airports such as Dubai International, Abu Dhabi International, Hamad International (Doha) and Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) have seen widespread cancellations and diversions. More than 19,000 flights have been delayed worldwide, and airlines have been forced to reroute journeys, increase flight times and, in many cases, halt operations altogether.
With aircraft displaced globally and airspace reopenings still uncertain, airlines warn that disruptions may continue for days.
Passenger Rights Under India's DGCA
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation recently strengthened refund and cancellation norms. According to the updated rules:
- 48‑hour free cancellation window for all bookings.
- Full refunds must be processed within 14 days of a cancellation.
- Airlines must offer alternate flights or refunds without penalty in case of major disruptions.
These rules apply to Indian carriers and bookings made in India, and become especially relevant in the current situation.
Airline‑Wise Breakdown: What Travellers Are Being Offered
Below are the latest official updates released across airline websites and social media channels.
1. Air India
Air India continues to cancel multiple international flights impacted by Middle East airspace restrictions.
Latest Airline Update:
Air India said that the impacted passengers are being informed via their registered contact numbers.
- Travellers are urged to check live flight status at:
https://airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html - 24×7 call centre numbers: +91 1169329333 / +91 1169329999.
What Air India Is Offering
- Rebooking options on alternate flights.
- Full refunds for affected passengers (as per DGCA rules).
- Assistance through website, customer care, or booking source.
Passengers advised to stay updated due to rolling cancellations.
2. IndiGo
IndiGo has been among the most affected Indian carriers due to its vast Middle East network.
Latest Airline Update (via X):
- Temporary suspension of select international flights using Middle East airspace extended until 2 March 2026, 23:59 IST.
- Full list of cancelled flights: goindigo.in/information/flight-cancellations.html
- Customers may opt for alternate flights or claim a full refund via the provided link.
- Full flexibility and waivers extended for travel to/from the Middle East until 7 March 2026, for bookings made on or before 28 February 2026.
- IndiGo assured it is monitoring developments “with utmost attentiveness”.
What IndiGo Is Offering
- Free rescheduling.
- Complete refunds on cancelled routes.
- Waivers on change fees for impacted travel sectors.
- Continuous communication through registered contact details.
3. Emirates
Emirates has faced extensive operational disruption because Dubai is one of the world's busiest transit hubs.
Latest Airline Update:
- All Emirates operations to and from Dubai temporarily suspended until 15:00 UAE time on Monday, 2 March due to regional airspace closures.
- Options for customers booked on or before 5 March:
Rebook within 20 days of the original travel date.
- Request a refund using the Emirates refund form.
- Customers are urged to check http://emirat.es/flightstatus before heading to the airport.
- Those booked via travel agents must contact their agent directly.
- Emirates emphasised that safety is the highest priority and it is engaging with authorities.
Refunds through the official refund form.
Rebooking opportunities within a defined window.
- Travel advisory tools and updated contact details via emirat.es/managebooking.
Guidance for both direct‑booking and agent‑booking customers.
- Qatar Airways flight operations are temporarily suspended due to airspace closure.
- Operations will resume once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority declares it safe.
- Next update scheduled for 2 March by 09:00 Doha time.
- Passengers should monitor updates via the Qatar Airways website or mobile app.
- Travel waivers for affected passengers.
- Options for refunds, rebooking or conversion to travel credits.
Dedicated disruption desks at major airports internationally.
All flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 14:00 UAE time on Monday, 2 March.
- Passengers advised to:
- Check flight status at etihad.com
- Update contact details in their bookings
- Guests holding Etihad tickets issued on or before 28 February 2026, with original travel dates up to 3 March, may rebook free of charge on Etihad flights up to 15 March 2026.
- Full refunds available via the Etihad refund form or travel agents.
- High call volumes expected; online forms encouraged.
- Free rebooking for eligible tickets through 15 March 2026.
- Full refunds for travellers on flights until 3 March.
- Updated travel advisories and status checks online.
- Close coordination with authorities as the situation evolves.
- Free date changes for a wide window of affected routes.
- Full refunds for near‑term travel.
- Flexibility for passengers flying through the Middle East.
- Embassies and consulates
- Airport helpdesks
- Airline disruption counters
- Check real‑time updates via airline websites or apps.
- Ensure contact details are accurate in bookings.
- Opt for available waivers, free date changes or refunds.
- Avoid travelling to airports without confirming flight status.
What Emirates Is Offering
4. Qatar Airways
Doha's Hamad International Airport remains affected by Qatari airspace restrictions.
Latest Airline Update (via X):
What Qatar Airways Is Offering
5. Etihad Airways
Etihad has suspended operations due to the closure of the UAE airspace.
Latest Airline Update:
What Etihad Is Offering
6. British Airways
British Airways has announced that customers travelling between London and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai or Tel Aviv through 15 March may change their travel date free of charge for a new journey on or before 29 March.
Travellers scheduled to fly up to 8 March are also allowed to request a full refund.
What British Airways Is Offering
7. Akasa Air
Akasa Air has also announced operational disruptions in light of the ongoing tensions across West Asia. The airline has suspended all flights to and from Jordan, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait and Riyadh for 3 March 2026.
In its travel update, the carrier said it will continue to review the situation and provide further updates as required. For passengers booked to or from these cities until 7 March 2026, Akasa Air is offering a full refund or the option to reschedule travel at no additional cost.
The airline added that it is closely monitoring the safety and security environment and will adjust operations proactively if needed. Travellers have been advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport. For any assistance, customers can reach out to the 24×7 Akasa Care Centre.
Visa Relief And Assistance For Stranded Travellers
India has announced visa relief measures for foreign nationals stranded due to the conflict‑related disruptions. This includes extensions for passengers unable to depart and additional assistance via immigration authorities, as per the latest government updates.
Travellers abroad are encouraged to contact:
With dynamic airspace closures and evolving safety assessments, airlines continue to adjust their schedules on short notice. Passengers should:
The situation is fluid, but airlines are offering extensive flexibility to accommodate disruptions. Staying informed and acting promptly can help minimise inconvenience while operations gradually stabilise.
