New Delhi: Indian airlines have suspended flights to the Middle East following escalating tensions in the region, affecting thousands of passengers and causing major financial setbacks to carriers.
Air India has temporarily halted services to five destinations across the Middle East, Europe, the US, and Canada. The airline, already dealing with operational disruptions following the crash of a flight from Ahmedabad to London on June 12, cited airspace closures and the volatile regional situation as key reasons behind the decision.
“Due to the prevailing situation in the Middle East and the closure of some airspaces, Air India Express has temporarily suspended flights to the region,” the airline said in a statement.
IndiGo, in a post on X, said that it had begun gradually resuming operations as airports in the Middle East started reopening. “We are closely monitoring the situation,” the airline said, adding that it is considering the safest available flight routes to ensure smooth travel.
Airports in Dubai and Doha—major international hubs for passengers flying between India, Europe, and the US—have been severely impacted. Several global carriers, including Qatar Airways, have also been affected due to restricted airspace.
“In the midst of the prevailing situation in the Middle East, Air India has ceased all its operations to North America and the east coast of Europe with immediate effect until further notice,” the airline said. Flights from North America to India are either returning to their original departure points, being diverted mid-air, or rerouted to avoid restricted zones, it added.
SpiceJet also confirmed in a post on X that some of its flights may be affected by the Middle East airspace closures. Akasa Air issued a similar update, warning that flights to and from the region could face disruptions due to the ongoing situation.
On Monday, several Indian airlines diverted flights after some Gulf countries closed their airspace in response to Iran’s missile strike on a US airbase in Qatar. The operational turmoil is expected to cause substantial financial losses to Indian carriers.
