The escalating tensions and war-like situation in the Middle East are now clearly impacting international air travel. Restrictions on airspace in many countries are impacting flights worldwide.
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Flights Cancelled: The ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran in the Middle East is also impacting flights. Constant attacks from both sides make it clear that this crisis is not ending anytime soon. The situation shows no signs of improvement. This conflict is affecting many countries, especially citizens of Muslim Arab countries, who are facing hardship. Hundreds of people have lost their lives in the ongoing attacks.
According to reports, the death toll in Iran has exceeded 1,000. Nearly 60 people have died in Lebanon and about a dozen in Israel. Six US soldiers are also reported killed in the conflict. The escalating tensions have also impacted air travel. Due to security concerns, many international and domestic flights have been cancelled, and many have been rerouted. Services at some airports have been temporarily disrupted, causing inconvenience to travelers.
Advisory issued for citizens
Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, several countries have issued advisories for their citizens, and air services have also been affected. The Indian Embassy in Doha, the capital of Qatar, has issued an important notice. According to the Embassy, flights from Hamad International Airport are temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatar’s airspace. Flights operated by other airlines, including Qatar Airways, have also been cancelled. Passengers have been advised to contact their respective airlines to reschedule their travel. The Embassy also stated that it is working with the Qatari administration and Indian community leaders to ensure the safety of Indian citizens. Meanwhile, according to Sky News, the UK government’s first chartered flight failed to take off amid the Middle East crisis.
Update: Qatar Airways flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace by the relevant authorities. A further update…
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) March 5, 2026
Several Air India Flights Cancelled
Air India has announced that most of its flights to the Middle East will remain suspended until 11:59 PM (IST) on March 5, 2026. However, some scheduled flights to Jeddah will resume from March 5. These include the Delhi-Jeddah-Delhi and Mumbai-Jeddah-Mumbai routes. Additionally, Air India plans to operate an additional flight (AI909D/996D) on the Mumbai-Dubai-Delhi route on the morning of March 5 to repatriate stranded passengers. This flight will be operated using the larger B777 aircraft, which has a larger passenger capacity.
Air India is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and has started operating a few flights to and from Dubai and Jeddah to bring back stranded passengers giving highest priority to their safety and wellbeing.
While most of our operations…
— Air India (@airindia) March 4, 2026
Nearly 180 flights cancelled from several cities in India
According to sources, the ongoing conflict in West Asia and airspace restrictions led to the cancellation of approximately 180 flights from airports in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru on March 4th. A total of 93 flights, including 48 departures and 45 arrivals, were cancelled at Mumbai Airport. Delhi Airport saw 52 flights cancelled, including 25 departures and 27 arrivals. Bengaluru Airport saw 34 flights cancelled, including 18 arrivals, from various airlines.
Special flights operated to bring back stranded passengers
Several special flights were also operated from Mumbai Airport on March 4th. SpiceJet operated two special flights from Fujairah to Mumbai, while Air India operated one flight from Dubai to Mumbai. Emirates also operated three flights from Dubai to Mumbai. Gulf Air and Royal Jordanian also operated one flight each from Amman (Jordan) and Dammam (Saudi Arabia) to Mumbai.
SpiceJet continues to operate multiple special flights from the UAE to India to support passenger travel during this time.
Additional flights have been scheduled to ensure smoother connectivity.#FlySpiceJet #SpiceJet pic.twitter.com/H2oKgwzgxe
— SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) March 4, 2026
Several flights canceled at Kolkata Airport
Numerous flights to West Asia were also affected from Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. At least five flights to cities like Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi were canceled. These included flights operated by Qatar Airways and Emirates. The country’s largest airline, IndiGo, reported canceling more than 500 flights to West Asia and other international destinations between February 28 and March 3 due to airspace restrictions.
Travel Advisory
Over the past few days, many of our customers have been navigating uncertainty while waiting to return home or reach places that matter most to them. During this time, we remain firmly by your side, doing everything possible to support your journeys with care,…
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) March 4, 2026
Some international flights have been increased.
However, due to increased passenger demand, some airlines have introduced additional flights on other international routes. Air India has decided to add additional flights from Delhi to Toronto, Frankfurt, and Paris. Air India Express has announced additional services between Muscat, Delhi, and Mumbai.
Air India Express will continue operating flights to and from Muscat on 5 March 2026, along with additional flights between Muscat and Delhi and Mumbai.
We are also operating special flights from Ras Al Khaimah connecting Delhi, Kochi, and Mumbai until 7 March 2026.
Guests are… pic.twitter.com/VvhWdcS8ud
— Air India Express (@AirIndiaX) March 4, 2026
Preparations for the Evacuation of Foreign Nationals
The US State Department also stated that special chartered flights have been operated to evacuate American citizens stranded in the Middle East, and that more such flights will be sent in the future.
Overstay Fines Waived in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also taken a significant decision, waiving overstay fines for travelers who were unable to leave the country on time due to flight cancellations or airspace closures. Overall, the ongoing tensions in the Middle East are now impacting air travel worldwide. Airlines are constantly canceling or rescheduling flights, and travelers are being advised to check with their airlines before traveling.
Etihad Airways check-in counters at London’s Heathrow Airport are closed, and notices have been posted warning of flight delays and cancellations. Many flights have been affected following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
