- Airspace closures in Iran and Middle East disrupt global flights and cause cancellations
- DGCA reports over 850 Indian flights cancelled on Feb 28 and Mar 1 due to restrictions
- At least nine Indian aircraft are stranded at Gulf airports including Dubai International
Airspace closures across Iran and several Middle Eastern countries has thrown global aviation schedules into disarray prompting widespread cancellations and forcing airlines to divert or ground many flights. The disruptions have affected major international routes and left thousands of passengers facing delays across key transit hubs.
Over 850 Flights Indian Carriers Affected
In a post on X, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said, "Due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East, 410 flights of domestic carriers were cancelled on 28 February, and 444 flights are expected to be cancelled on March 1. Major airports remain on operational alert to manage potential diversions and ensure seamless passenger facilitation. Passenger assistance, airline coordination, and terminal crowd management are being closely monitored, with senior officials deployed on the ground."
The DGCA informed that the Ministry's Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) continues to closely monitor passenger concerns and facilitate prompt redressal. On Feb 28, AirSewa recorded 216 grievances, and 105 grievances were resolved during the same period ensuring necessary support to affected passengers.
Due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East, 410 flights of domestic carriers were cancelled on 28 February, and 444 flights are expected to be cancelled on 1 March.
— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) February 28, 2026
DGCA is maintaining close coordination with airlines to ensure full compliance with…
VIDEO | Delhi: Passengers stranded at IGI Airport as flights to the Middle East face disruptions and cancellations amid the ongoing situation.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 1, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos: https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/W9GpgkfZn8
Qatar Airways Halts Flights After Airspace Closure
Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended all flight operations following the closure of Qatari airspace. The airline said it will resume services once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirms that the airspace is safe to reopen. A detailed operational update is expected by 09:00 Doha time.
Indian Aircraft Grounded at Gulf Airports
Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 reported that at least nine aircraft operated by Indian carriers have been stranded at various Gulf airports due to the evolving airspace restrictions. Of these, four were held at Dubai International Airport.
Authorities Monitor Situation as Airlines Await Clarity
Aviation stakeholders across the Middle East and India are coordinating efforts to manage stranded passengers, reroute flights where possible and ensure timely dissemination of updates. Airlines are awaiting further clarity on when affected Middle Eastern air corridors may reopen.
The United Arab Emirates alone accounts for around 29% of India's international air traffic, spanning major hubs such as Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al‑Khaimah and Umm al‑Quwain. With airspace restrictions cutting off access to key corridors, the ripple effect is being felt across airlines, airports and passengers dependent on these vital routes.
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