Thousands Stranded as Around 200 Flights Canceled by IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet After US‑Israeli Airstrikes on Iran Trigger Airspace Closures and Global Flight Disruptions

Published on February 28, 2026

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Thousands of travelers have been left stranded at airports across India and the Middle East as around 200 flights operated by IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet were canceled following the US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which triggered widespread airspace closures and escalating tensions in the region. The conflict, which began with airstrikes on Iranian targets, led to retaliatory actions and the closure of airspaces in countries like Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE to ensure the safety of civilian and military air traffic. These restrictions severely impacted crucial flight routes between India and major Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai, Riyadh, Tel Aviv, and Doha, with thousands of passengers facing uncertainty as flights were grounded. Airlines, including the affected India-based carriers, were forced to suspend operations as regional airports, including Dubai International and Abu Dhabi International, temporarily halted flights. The situation continues to evolve, leaving travelers uncertain about when they can resume their journeys, as airspace restrictions remain in place and further cancellations loom.

Image generated with Ai

In an unprecedented disruption to air travel, around 200 flights operated by India-based airlines have been cancelled after US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets caused a series of airspace closures and escalating tensions in the Middle East. With critical airspaces in the region closing down, thousands of travelers have found themselves stuck at airports across India and the Middle East, uncertain of when their flights will resume. The situation has left many travelers in limbo, with air travel between India and key Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai, Riyadh, and Tel Aviv severely impacted.

This article delves into the series of events that led to the airspace restrictions, the ripple effect on air travel, and how India-based airlines are navigating this crisis while prioritizing passenger safety.

The Impact of US-Israeli Airstrikes on Iran and Regional Airspace Closures

The crisis began when airstrikes launched by US-Israeli forces on Iran sparked retaliation from the Iranian government, leading to widespread instability in the region. In response to these escalating tensions, several countries in the Gulf and Middle Eastern regions, including Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE, made the decision to close their airspace. This drastic action was taken to ensure the safety of both military and civilian air traffic, further exacerbating the travel disruptions already felt by passengers across the world.

As a result of these airspace closures, India-based airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet, were forced to cancel or suspend around 200 flights to and from major Middle Eastern destinations. The affected cities include critical transit hubs such as Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah, Tel Aviv, and Doha, which are integral to the connectivity of Indian travelers traveling onward to Europe and the United States.

Airlines Respond to the Crisis: Flight Cancellations and Travel Advisories

In response to the situation, IndiGo, one of India’s largest low-cost carriers, issued a travel advisory, notifying passengers of the suspension of all flights to and from the Middle East. The airline’s statement cited the evolving airspace restrictions as the primary reason behind the cancellations, with no specific resumption time provided.

Similarly, Air India suspended several flights to Middle Eastern destinations. The airline reported that one of its key flights, AI139, which was en route from Delhi to Tel Aviv on February 28, had to return to India due to the sudden closure of Israeli airspace. Air India emphasized its commitment to passenger safety as the main reason for the decision.

Other carriers such as Akasa Air and SpiceJet also followed suit, suspending their flights to cities like Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Jeddah. These cancellations affected thousands of passengers who were either stranded at airports or had to rearrange their travel plans.

Thousands of Passengers Left in Limbo: Airport Chaos and Uncertainty

As the airspace restrictions continued to affect the region, airports across India and the Middle East experienced significant chaos. Thousands of travelers found themselves stuck in terminals, unable to board flights, as they waited for updates on when their journeys would resume. With key airports like Dubai International (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International (AUH) temporarily halting flight operations, travelers were left scrambling for answers.

Dubai Airports issued a statement confirming that all flight operations at both Dubai International and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International airports were suspended until further notice. Passengers were advised not to travel to the airport and to instead contact their respective airlines for updates. Similar advisories were issued across other Middle Eastern airports as well.

Despite the widespread cancellations, some flights to Europe, particularly to the UK, were still operating as scheduled on February 28. However, as the situation unfolded, many travelers braced themselves for potential cancellations on March 1, with long-haul flights to the US and Europe expected to be rerouted or grounded altogether.

Government and Airline Coordination Amidst the Crisis

In the wake of the ongoing disruptions, India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation convened an urgent meeting with senior officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Airports Authority of India (AAI), airline operators, and major airport operators. The objective was to review the preparedness and response measures in light of the evolving situation in the Middle East.

The DGCA issued a safety advisory for Indian airlines, urging them to refrain from operating in the affected airspace. The advisory highlighted the risks posed by advanced air-defense systems and ballistic missiles in the region, along with the possibility of misidentifying civilian aircraft during military operations.

Airlines were instructed to adhere to updated NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) and other safety bulletins, while monitoring real-time information regarding airspace restrictions. The authorities emphasized the need to keep passengers informed and to make safety their top priority, despite the massive disruptions to schedules.

What Travelers Should Do: Stay Updated and Flexible

For travelers affected by the cancellations and delays, the situation remains fluid, and updates are expected to continue coming in throughout the day. Passengers are advised to stay in close contact with their airlines for the latest information regarding flight reschedules and cancellations.

Airlines are offering rebooking options, and many are waiving change fees for affected passengers, but travelers are strongly encouraged to remain patient and flexible. Airport staff are working tirelessly to assist stranded passengers, and additional measures are being taken to ensure that any diversions or unscheduled landings are handled with care.

The ongoing airspace restrictions and flight cancellations caused by the US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran have created significant disruptions for travelers, particularly those flying between India and the Middle East. With airspace closures continuing and the situation evolving, it is expected that further cancellations may occur in the coming days.

India-based airlines, while prioritizing passenger safety, are doing their best to navigate this crisis, providing support for travelers affected by these disruptions. However, passengers should remain vigilant, check flight statuses regularly, and be prepared for further changes to their travel plans as the situation develops.

Thousands of travelers have been stranded as around 200 flights operated by IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet were canceled due to US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which triggered airspace closures and severe disruptions to global flight schedules. These airspace restrictions have caused significant delays and cancellations, particularly impacting routes between India and major Middle Eastern hubs.

As the Middle East continues to experience heightened tensions, it is clear that travelers must expect ongoing challenges, but with coordination between airlines and authorities, the hope remains that safe air travel will resume in due course.