Air India Cancels International Flights Amid Middle East Airspace Disruptions
Air India has announced the cancellation of a series of long-haul international flights scheduled for March 1, 2026. The decision comes as the airline conducts an ongoing assessment of the evolving situation in the Middle East and related airspace disruptions.
Safety and Security Concerns Drive Cancellations
In an official statement, Air India emphasized that the cancellations were made "in the interest of the safety and security of our guests and staff." The airline is closely monitoring developments and will provide further updates based on comprehensive risk assessments.
Air India stated, "In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for our passengers and crew. We will continue to assess the safety and security environment for our flight operations and adjust operations proactively as required."
Full List of Cancelled Flights
The airline confirmed the cancellation of the following services:
- AI161 / AI162: Delhi–London (Heathrow) / London (Heathrow)–Delhi
- AI111 / AI112: Delhi–London (Heathrow) / London (Heathrow)–Delhi
- AI129 / AI128: Mumbai–London (Heathrow) / London (Heathrow)–Mumbai
- AI169 / AI170: Amritsar–London (Gatwick) / London (Gatwick)–Amritsar
- AI101 / AI102: Delhi–New York (JFK) / New York (JFK)–Delhi
- AI119 / AI116: Mumbai–New York (JFK) / New York (JFK)–Mumbai
- AI191 / AI144: Mumbai–Newark / Newark–Mumbai
- AI127 / AI126: Delhi–Chicago / Chicago–Delhi (via Vienna)
- AI187 / AI188 and AI189 / AI190: Delhi–Toronto / Toronto–Delhi (via Vienna)
- AI2025 / AI2026: Delhi–Frankfurt / Frankfurt–Delhi
- AI2027 / AI2028: Mumbai–Frankfurt / Frankfurt–Mumbai
- AI143 / AI142 and AI147 / AI148: Delhi–Paris / Paris–Delhi
Affected passengers are being notified and offered alternative options to minimize inconvenience. Air India recommends that passengers check their flight status for the latest updates.
Air India Express Extends Gulf Suspension
Meanwhile, Air India Express has extended the suspension of its westbound international flights to parts of the Gulf region until 23:59 hours on March 1, 2026. An Air India Express spokesperson explained, "Air India Express has extended the suspension of its westbound international flights until 23:59 hours on March 01, 2026, in view of the ongoing situation in parts of the Gulf Region."
The airline is working closely with relevant authorities and will resume services as soon as conditions allow. Passengers who booked travel to or from the Gulf region up to February 28, 2026, for journeys scheduled until March 5, 2026, may reschedule their travel to a future date without any date-change fees or cancel their bookings for a full refund.
Background: Ongoing Airspace Disruptions
The cancellations occur amid heightened tensions in West Asia following joint military strikes involving Israel and the United States targeting Iranian sites. These actions have triggered retaliatory threats and airspace closures in parts of the region, affecting key international corridors used by airlines flying between India, Europe, and North America.
Air India's proactive measures reflect the airline's commitment to passenger safety during this period of uncertainty. The airline's teams are extending all necessary support to affected travelers, and passengers are encouraged to contact the 24×7 Call Centre at +91 1169329333 or +91 1169329999 for further assistance.
