In recent days, airlines have cancelled or rerouted hundreds of flights, with additional modifications anticipated on Monday, March 2.
Impacts on European and Middle Eastern Routes
Major European destinations like London, Zurich, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Milan, and Vienna have been significantly affected due to airspace restrictions and the necessity to avoid conflict-prone areas.
Airlines are now taking longer detours, which increases flight duration and creates scheduling hurdles.
International airlines have also modified their services. Qatar Airways has halted operations in the region until March 2, while Etihad Airways has cancelled flights to and from Abu Dhabi until the same date.
Read more: Live updates on the Iran-Israel conflict
However, sources have indicated that Etihad is likely to resume flights to India on March 2.
Advisory from Delhi Airport
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has released a passenger advisory in light of the situation.
“Due to the changing political climate in the Middle East, westbound international flights are experiencing operational disruptions and schedule alterations,” the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) stated in an advisory on March 2 at 8 am.
Travelers are encouraged to verify the latest information with their respective airlines before heading to the airport. “For real-time flight updates, please visit our official website: www.newdelhiairport.in.”
The airport further advised passengers to use only official communication channels for confirmed updates.
Passenger Advisory issued at 08:00 hrs.#DelhiAirport #PassengerAdvisory #DELAdvisory@MoCA_GoI @DGCAIndia pic.twitter.com/cVZVKFdwqz
— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) March 2, 2026
Over 400 Flights Cancelled
On February 28, at least 410 flights run by Indian carriers were cancelled at Delhi airport amid escalating regional tensions. The disruption continued on March 1, with at least 350 flights reported as scrapped, according to News18.
On March 2, around 300 flights are expected to be affected as airlines face operational constraints and extended routes.
Read more: Iran-Israel-US conflict: Trump suggests it could last four weeks or more
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is in coordination with airlines and relevant authorities to address the evolving situation. The Passenger Assistance Control Room is also managing grievance resolution and providing assistance to affected passengers.
Air India and Akasa Air Suspend Operations
Air India has prolonged the suspension of its services to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Qatar until 11:59 pm on March 2, citing safety and operational issues.
The airline has cancelled certain flights to Europe on March 2 and noted that some North America and Europe flights will be rerouted, including technical stops in Rome.
“In light of the ongoing situation in the Middle East, Air India has extended the halt of all flights to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Qatar until 2359 hrs IST on 2 March 2026.Additionally, select flights to Europe scheduled for 2 March…
— Air India (@airindia) March 1, 2026
Akasa Air has also suspended all flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait, and Riyadh until March 3.
“We will keep updating our flight status for these destinations based on the current situation,” the airline said, adding that passengers with bookings to or from these cities until March 7 may opt for a full refund or reschedule their travel without any extra charges.
#TravelUpdate: March 02, 2026 | 11:30 IST
Due to the current situation in the Middle East, all Akasa Air flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait, and Riyadh have also been suspended for March 03, 2026. We will continue updating our flight status for these…— Akasa Air (@AkasaAir) March 2, 2026
Qatar Airways has also extended the suspension of its flight operations due to Qatari airspace closures.
“Qatar Airways will resume services once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of airspace. A further update will be provided on March 03 by 09:00 Doha time (06:00 UTC),” the airline stated.
Passengers are advised to stay informed about the latest flight information through their official channels or the Qatar Airways mobile app.
Emirates has also prolonged its temporary suspension of all flight operations to and from Dubai until 1500 hrs UAE time on Tuesday, March 3.
“The situation remains fluid and is continuously assessed. We urge all customers to check emirates.com for the latest operational updates and to review their emails for any notifications regarding changes or cancellations before heading to the airport,” the airline’s statement concluded.
