Middle East Tensions-Airlines Continue To Remain Affected On (Third Day)-Here’s The Complete List !
Prime Vista News
Airlines worldwide continue suspending and rerouting flights as escalating Middle East tensions force multiple countries to close airspace, affecting thousands of passengers globally.
Global air travel remained significantly disrupted for the third consecutive day as escalating tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran forced airlines to suspend, cancel, or reroute flights across large parts of the Middle East.
Several countries, including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, announced partial or complete airspace closures as security concerns intensified. The restrictions triggered widespread operational challenges for airlines worldwide, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and forcing carriers to revise schedules at short notice.
Major aviation hubs in the region were affected, with Dubai International Airport remaining closed during the day amid ongoing uncertainty.
Thousands of Flights Cancelled Worldwide
Airlines across continents continued avoiding Middle Eastern air corridors considered high-risk zones. According to data accessed by Mint from flight tracking platform FlightAware, more than 2,700 flights were cancelled globally, while over 12,300 flights experienced delays as of 1720 GMT on Sunday.
The disruption has impacted long-haul international routes connecting Asia, Europe and North America, many of which traditionally pass through Middle Eastern airspace.
Industry observers note that extended airspace closures are forcing airlines to adopt longer alternative routes, increasing operational costs and travel time.
Air India Extends Suspension Across Key Routes
Air India confirmed an extension of its flight suspensions to several destinations in the Middle East due to the evolving security situation.
In a statement posted on X, the airline said services to and from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Qatar would remain suspended until 2359 hrs IST on March 2, 2026.
“In view of the continuing situation in the Middle East, Air India has extended the suspension of all flights to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Qatar,” the airline said.
The carrier also cancelled select Europe-bound services scheduled for March 2 along with their return sectors. Affected routes include AI117 between Amritsar and Birmingham, AI151 and AI152 connecting Delhi and Zurich, AI157 and AI158 between Delhi and Copenhagen, and AI114 operating from Birmingham to Delhi.
IndiGo and Akasa Air Issue Travel Advisories
Low-cost carrier IndiGo announced that it had prolonged the temporary suspension of international flights operating through Middle Eastern airspace until 2359 hrs IST on March 2.
The airline described the move as a precautionary measure aimed at maintaining safety for passengers and crew. Travellers were advised to regularly check updated flight information through the airline’s official website.
Budget airline Akasa Air also suspended all flights connecting Middle Eastern destinations, including Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait and Riyadh, for March 3.
The airline said passengers holding bookings until March 7 could either reschedule travel without additional charges or opt for full refunds, depending on travel requirements.
International Airlines Halt Operations
The ongoing conflict has significantly affected international carriers, particularly airlines based in the Gulf region.
Qatar Airways announced a temporary suspension of all operations following the closure of Qatari airspace. The airline stated that services would resume only after clearance from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirming safe reopening of air routes. A further operational update is expected on March 3.
Emirates similarly halted operations to and from Dubai due to multiple regional airspace restrictions. The airline said flights would remain suspended until 1500 hrs. UAE time on March 2.
Passengers affected by cancellations were offered options to reschedule travel within 20 days or request refunds.
Airports Shut as Security Concerns Rise
Dubai International Airport confirmed suspension of operations at both DXB and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport until further notice.
With several Middle Eastern nations enforcing airspace restrictions simultaneously, aviation authorities continue monitoring developments closely. Airlines remain dependent on security assessments before restoring normal operations.
Earlier Coverage : Why India Has Not Condemned Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s Death Amid West Asia Crisis ?
As tensions persist, global aviation networks are expected to face continued uncertainty, with passenger movement and international connectivity likely to remain affected until regional airspace stability is restored.
