Air India Announces Further Flight Cancellations to Europe Amid Middle East Concerns
Air India has announced additional cancellations of its scheduled international operations for March 1, citing a close monitoring and careful assessment of the evolving situation in the Middle East. The airline emphasized that the safety and security of its customers and crew remain its highest priority.
Safety Concerns Drive Operational Curtailment
In a statement shared on social media, Air India explained, "Close monitoring and careful assessment of the evolving situation in the Middle East have necessitated further curtailment of our scheduled operations, with the safety and security of our customers and crew remaining our highest priority." The airline added that these cancellations are in addition to flights already announced as cancelled.
List of Cancelled Flights
The following services scheduled for March 1 have been cancelled:
- AI131 / AI130: Mumbai–London (Heathrow) / London (Heathrow)–Mumbai
- AI113 / AI118: Delhi–Birmingham / Birmingham–Delhi
- AI155 / AI156: Delhi–Amsterdam / Amsterdam–Delhi
- AI151 / AI152: Delhi–Zurich / Zurich–Delhi
- AI137 / AI138: Delhi–Milan / Milan–Delhi
- AI153 / AI154: Delhi–Vienna / Vienna–Delhi
- AI133 / AI132: Bengaluru–London (Heathrow) / London (Heathrow)–Bengaluru
- AI157 / AI158: Delhi–Copenhagen / Copenhagen–Delhi
- AI2017 / AI2018 and AI2015 / AI2016: Delhi–London (Heathrow) / London (Heathrow)–Delhi
- AI2029 / AI2030: Delhi–Frankfurt / Frankfurt–Delhi
Impact on Travel and Passenger Assistance
The cancellations impact several major European destinations, including London Heathrow, Birmingham, Amsterdam, Zurich, Milan, Vienna, Copenhagen, and Frankfurt. These flights originate from key Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Air India expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and is making every effort to assist affected passengers with rebooking and alternative travel arrangements.
Impacted travellers are being informed through their registered contact numbers. Passengers have been advised to check the status of their flights on the airline's official website before heading to the airport. For further assistance, Air India's 24x7 call centre can be reached at +91 1169329333 and +91 1169329999.
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Decisions
The airline stated that it will continue to closely monitor developments in the Middle East and take necessary operational decisions in line with passenger and crew safety. This proactive approach underscores Air India's commitment to maintaining high safety standards amidst geopolitical uncertainties.
Travelers planning international trips with Air India are encouraged to stay updated through official channels as the situation evolves. The airline's response highlights the broader challenges faced by aviation operators in navigating regional tensions while ensuring passenger welfare.
