The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi, March 2: Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport have been significantly disrupted amid the escalating Iran–Israel conflict, leaving several passengers stranded and anxious about cancellations and delays.
Travellers at the airport reported that multiple flights to Middle Eastern destinations were cancelled, creating uncertainty for those planning to travel during Ramadan, particularly to Mecca and Medina.
A passenger working in the travel industry said an Air India flight from Mumbai carrying some of his clients had been cancelled. “We are not receiving clear updates about rescheduling. Almost all routes to the Middle East are being cancelled, which is making travel for worship during Ramadan extremely difficult,” he said.
Another traveller, Rafia Khan, who had come to see off her parents, described the tense atmosphere but praised airport staff for their assistance. “We were worried because the Gulf region is tense, and our parents are travelling there. It was hard to contact airlines due to the rush of queries, but airport staff were courteous and provided us with proper flight details,” she said.
Delhi Airport issued a travel advisory on its official X account, warning of disruptions to westbound international flights due to the evolving political situation in the Middle East. Passengers were advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates before heading to the airport and to rely only on official communication channels for verified information.
According to sources, as many as 100 flights — including 60 departures and 40 arrivals — were cancelled at IGI Airport on Sunday alone.
The disruption follows airspace closures by several West Asian countries amid rising hostilities. Israel has declared a nationwide state of emergency, while Iran and Iraq have also shut their airspace, suspending flight operations.
IndiGo stated that passengers would be directly informed if their flights operating over Middle Eastern airspace were affected. The airline advised travellers to explore alternative options or claim refunds through its website in case of inconvenience.
Meanwhile, Akasa Air announced the suspension of flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait and Riyadh until March 2, 2026, citing safety concerns. The airline said passengers with bookings affected until March 7 could opt for a full refund or reschedule their flights at no additional cost. It added that teams are proactively reaching out to impacted customers.
The ongoing conflict has heightened fears of a broader regional escalation, with emergency measures and growing public concern as the situation continues to evolve.
