Aviation – Delhi Airport Cancels 100 Flights Amid Crisis
Aviation – Passengers planning international journeys from Indira Gandhi International Airport faced widespread disruption this week as escalating tensions between Israel and Iran triggered major changes to flight schedules. Dozens of services were cancelled, leaving many travellers stranded and scrambling for alternatives.
Advisory Issued as Flight Schedules Altered
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) released a public advisory through its official communication channels, cautioning passengers about ongoing changes to westbound international flights. The airport operator said the evolving political and security situation across parts of the Middle East had forced airlines to review and revise their schedules.
Travellers were urged to confirm the latest status of their flights directly with their respective carriers before departing for the airport. Authorities also advised passengers to rely only on verified sources for updates to avoid confusion amid rapidly changing developments.
Airport officials acknowledged the inconvenience caused to passengers and appealed for cooperation while airlines worked to manage operational challenges linked to restricted airspace.
One Hundred Flights Cancelled in a Single Day
According to airport sources, around 100 flights were cancelled on Sunday alone. This included 60 outbound departures and 40 inbound arrivals at the Delhi airport. The cancellations reflect the broader aviation impact of airspace closures across several West Asian nations.
Multiple countries in the region have temporarily shut their skies to commercial traffic following the intensifying conflict. As a result, airlines operating long-haul services between India and Europe or North America have had to consider alternate routes, leading to delays, rescheduling, and in some cases, outright cancellations.
Airlines Offer Refunds and Rescheduling Options
Indian carriers have begun communicating directly with affected passengers. IndiGo stated that travellers whose flights traverse Middle Eastern airspace would be informed through registered contact details if there were changes to their bookings.
The airline encouraged customers facing major disruptions to either explore alternate travel plans or request refunds through its website. It also reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and responsible operations under the current circumstances.
Similarly, Akasa Air announced a temporary suspension of flights to and from several Gulf destinations, including Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait City and Riyadh. The suspension will remain in effect until March 2, 2026, as a precautionary measure.
Akasa Air confirmed that passengers holding bookings affected through March 7 may opt for a full refund or reschedule their travel without additional charges. The airline said its customer support teams are reaching out proactively to assist impacted travellers.
Regional Tensions Raise Broader Security Concerns
The aviation disruptions come amid rising fears of a wider regional confrontation. Israel has declared a nationwide state of emergency, taking precautionary measures such as relocating certain hospital facilities underground and activating public alert systems.
Airspace closures have also been implemented by Iraq, alongside Israel and Iran, leading to a near halt of commercial flight operations in several corridors that are typically busy international routes.
In a significant development, reports confirmed the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the strikes. Authorities in Tehran have announced a period of national mourning, with flags lowered and public gatherings planned to mark the end of a leadership era that spanned nearly four decades.
Travellers Advised to Monitor Official Updates
With the situation evolving, aviation authorities and airlines have emphasized that operational decisions will continue to be guided by safety assessments. Passengers planning international travel in the coming days are advised to remain in close contact with airlines and monitor official announcements for the latest information.
Industry observers note that further schedule changes cannot be ruled out if regional tensions persist. For now, airport officials in Delhi say they are coordinating closely with carriers to manage passenger flow and minimize disruption as much as possible.