Iran-US Conflict: Air India, Akasa Extend Flight Cancellations; Delhi, Mumbai Hit

Escalating tensions linked to the Iran–US conflict have triggered major aviation disruptions, forcing several airlines to extend flight cancellations and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded across key Indian airports, including Delhi and Mumbai.

Air India has announced the extension of its suspension of flights to and from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Qatar until 11:59 pm on Monday. The airline also cancelled select Europe-bound flights scheduled for March 2 due to operational challenges arising from restricted airspace over parts of West Asia.

The impact has been most visible at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, where numerous international departures were either cancelled or delayed as airlines struggled to adjust routes amid sudden airspace closures.

Budget carrier Akasa Air also suspended its operations to and from Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait and Riyadh until March 2, 2026. The airline stated that passengers with bookings affected until March 7 can opt for full refunds or reschedule their travel without additional charges.

Air India Express cancelled more than 110 flights due to restrictions over Iranian and neighbouring airspace. International carriers have also been affected. Emirates temporarily suspended operations to and from Dubai until 3 pm UAE time on March 2, while operations at Doha’s Hamad International Airport were halted following the closure of Qatari airspace.

According to airport sources, around 100 flights were cancelled at Delhi’s IGI Airport, including 60 departures and 40 arrivals. Similar disruptions were reported in Mumbai, where 125 flights — 67 departures and 58 arrivals — were cancelled. Tiruchirappalli International Airport also witnessed significant cancellations over two consecutive days.

Airport authorities have issued advisories urging passengers to check their flight status with airlines before heading to the airport, as schedules remain subject to last-minute changes, diversions and delays.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation activated its Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) to address growing traveller concerns. The ministry reported resolving over 400 passenger grievances during the ongoing crisis through helplines, the AirSewa portal and social media monitoring. Indian embassies in affected countries have also shared emergency helpline numbers to assist stranded travellers.

The disruptions follow heightened regional tensions after reported missile strikes involving the United States and Israel targeting sites in Iran. The subsequent closure of multiple Middle Eastern airspaces has severely impacted major international aviation corridors connecting India with Europe and West Asia.

Airlines continue to monitor the evolving security situation and have advised passengers to stay updated through official communication channels as flight operations remain uncertain.