US-Israel attack Iran: Airlines suspend flights to Middle East, issue advisories for passengers Delhi Airport sees 87 flight cancellations

IndiGo flight suspensions

IndiGo has extended the temporary suspension of select flights through parts of Middle Eastern airspace and adjusted other international services according to evolving conditions. Bookings made on or before 28 February 2026 are eligible for rescheduling at no additional cost or full refunds until March 7, 2026.

An official statement said, "We have continued to meticulously evaluate the evolving regional developments and their potential impact on flight operations. After reviewing the latest operational inputs, we are taking the course that we believe is most responsible at this time, purely in the interest of safety. As part of our continued precautionary approach, the temporary suspension of select international flights operating through parts of the Middle Eastern airspace has been extended. Additionally, certain other international services may be impacted as we align operations with evolving conditions. Please check your flight status for the latest updates https://bit.ly/31paVKQ. We understand that these are uncertain times, and we want to assure you that our focus extends beyond operational preparedness to standing alongside our customers. If your booking is impacted, you will receive timely notifications on your registered contact details, and our teams will connect with you directly to provide assistance and guide you through the available options. To support you, we are extending full flexibility and waivers for travel to and from the Middle East, along with other impacted international sectors, until 7th March 2026, for bookings made on or before 28th February 2026. Customers may reschedule at no additional cost or opt for a full refund via https://t.co/9VuwyhxE9G."

Akasa Air suspend flights

Akasa Air has suspended flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait, and Riyadh until 2 March 2026. Passengers with impacted bookings until 7 March may opt for full refunds or rebook without extra charges. The airline advised travellers to check flight status and contact its 24x7 Care Centre for assistance.

"As part of our continued commitment to safety and responsible operations, we are taking measured decisions across select international sectors in view of the evolving situation in the Middle East. As shared earlier, Akasa Air flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait and Riyadh have been suspended until March 02, 2026. Passengers with impacted bookings until March 07, 2026, may opt for a full refund or reschedule their travel at no additional charge. Our teams are actively reaching out to assist affected passengers using the contact details provided at the time of booking or web check in. We encourage passengers to check their flight status on https://bit.ly/qpfltsts prior to proceeding to the airport. For immediate assistance, please contact our 24x7 Akasa Care Centre at +91 9606112131. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority. We appreciate your continued trust and understanding," the statement said.

Air India cancels UAE and Middle East flights

Air India extended the suspension of all flights to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Qatar until on March 2, 2026. Selected flights to Europe were also cancelled, while westbound flights to North America and Europe are operating via alternative routes, increasing flying times.

Affected passengers are being notified and assisted with rebooking or refunds. The airline cited ongoing assessments of safety, airspace availability, and operational feasibility as the basis for its decisions.

"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 until 2359 hrs IST on March 2, 2026. Additionally, select flights to Europe scheduled on 2 March 2026 have been cancelled, along with the scheduled return legs of these flights:

- AI117: Amritsar - Birmingham  
- AI151/AI152: Delhi - Zurich  
- AI157/AI158: Delhi - Copenhagen  
- AI114: Birmingham - Delhi  

All other flights to North America and Europe will operate per schedule using alternative routings over available airspaces in the Middle East, which is expected to add to the flying times. Additionally, flights to New York (JFK) and Newark (Liberty International) will operate with technical stops at Rome (Fiumicino Airport).

Air India continues to closely monitor the situation and has carefully assessed the evolving circumstances across multiple parameters, including safety, security, airspace availability, and operational feasibility, before deciding on these operations for 2 March 2026. We will share updates, based on further assessments, at an appropriate time. 

Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to affected guests and is committed to assisting them with alternative arrangements. Guests with affected bookings are being notified on their registered contact details,” an Air India Spokesperson said.

Operations at Delhi and Kerala airports hit

At Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi, 87 international flights were cancelled on March 2, including 37 departures and 50 arrivals. Over the past two days, Indian carriers cancelled 760 overseas flights due to widespread airspace closures, according to the PTI.

In Kerala, Gulf flight operations were disrupted for a third consecutive day. Around 45 departures from Cochin International Airport (CIAL) were cancelled, while limited services by Oman Air, Saudia, Etihad, and SpiceJet continued. At Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TIAL), 20 Gulf-bound flights were cancelled over three days, and Kannur International Airport (KIAL) recorded 10 cancellations. Calicut airport also saw 20 cancellations, the PTI reported.