Air India Keeps UAE, Saudi, Israel, Qatar Flights on Hold Till 11:59 PM; Select Europe Flights Scrapped

New Delhi: Air services have been badly affected after the increasing tension between Israel and Iran and the closure of airspace by many countries. Air India has temporarily stopped all its flights to UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Qatar. Some flights to Europe have also been cancelled.

For how long has Air India stopped flights?

Air India has said that all flights to and from these four countries will remain closed till 11:59 pm on March 2, 2026. The airline says that the safety of passengers comes first. The situation is being continuously monitored and new information will be given as soon as the situation becomes normal.

What is the situation at Delhi airport?

The situation at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is greatly affected. Around 100 flights were affected, including around 60 departures and 40 arrivals. Many passengers have been waiting for hours. Some people were seen sitting or lying at the airport itself. Airport authorities had already issued an advisory asking passengers to confirm the situation with their airlines before flying.

How many flights were canceled in Mumbai and Tiruchirappalli?

Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has also been significantly affected. About 125 flights were canceled here, including 67 departures and 58 arrivals. Tiruchirappalli International Airport saw 17 arrivals and 16 departures canceled on March 1. Even on March 2, some flights could not operate. Air India Express alone has canceled more than 110 flights.

What was the impact on Europe and other routes?

Air India has said that most of the flights to North America and Europe will be operated through alternative routes. However, this may increase flight time. Still, on March 2, some flights like Amritsar-Birmingham, Delhi-Zurich and Delhi-Copenhagen had to be cancelled. IndiGo, SpiceJet and other airlines have also temporarily halted services on Middle East routes.

What is the impact on the airlines of Gulf countries?

Dubai's Emirates suspended its services until 3pm (UAE time) on March 2. Flights at Doha's Hamad International Airport are also affected due to the closure of Qatar's airspace. Services of companies like Qatar Airways and Etihad have also been affected. Air traffic across West Asia is almost at a standstill due to the closure of airspace by Iran and surrounding countries.

What should passengers do?

Airlines have appealed to passengers to constantly check their flight status. The option of refund or re-booking is being given for canceled flights. Until the situation in the region becomes normal, the impact on air services may continue. Everyone's eyes are on how the situation will be in the coming days.