Flight cancellations at Delhi and Mumbai airports linked to Middle East crisis disruptions

International air travel from India faced major disruption on Saturday, with at least 100 overseas flights cancelled at Delhi and Mumbai airports. Officials linked the cancellations to the continuing Middle East crisis. The disruption affected both arriving and departing services. Several airlines also warned of delays and route changes for west-bound flights due to airspace restrictions.

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At Mumbai airport, officials reported 35 cancelled departures and 36 cancelled arrivals. At Delhi airport, 22 departures and 17 arrivals were called off. The cancellations came as airlines adjusted flight paths and schedules. Many carriers were operating fewer services because some Middle East countries had closed their airspace.

Middle East crisis hits Delhi airport and Mumbai airport flights

Delhi airport operator DIAL issued an advisory on X about the situation. The post stated: "due to the current situation in the Middle East, some west-bound international flights may experience delays or schedule changes.\" The advisory signalled that passengers could face longer travel times. Airlines were also expected to revise schedules at short notice.

Air India and Air India Express said scheduled flights would continue on routes considered safe. Both airlines said they would keep operating to and from Jeddah and Muscat. The carriers indicated these airports were assessed safe for operations. The announcements came as travellers faced uncertainty across several Gulf and regional routes.

Air India plans additional flights during Middle East crisis

Air India also planned extra services to help passengers return to India. The airline said additional non-scheduled flights were planned on 8 March. These flights were to operate to and from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat, Ras Al-Khaimah and Sharjah. Air India said the aim was to bring stranded passengers back to India.

IndiGo also shared an update on X about its operations. IndiGo said it would continue to operate flights to eight destinations in the Middle East. IndiGo also said it would keep services to Europe on March 8. Airlines continued monitoring restrictions and adjusting routes where required.

The wider disruption followed a conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran. The conflict started on February 28, and it affected flight operations across the region. Several Middle East countries closed their airspaces, limiting route options. With fewer services running, cancellations and delays continued to affect international passengers travelling via Delhi and Mumbai.

With inputs from PTI