Air India Prolongs Suspension of Middle East Flights Until 2026 Amid Regional Unrest
Air India has officially announced an extension of the suspension for all its flights to and from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Qatar. This suspension is now set to remain in effect until 2359 hours Indian Standard Time on March 2, 2026. The decision is attributed to the persistent and volatile situation in the Middle East, which continues to impact aviation safety and operations.
Safety and Operational Considerations Drive Decision
In a detailed statement, an Air India spokesperson clarified that this extension follows a rigorous assessment of multiple critical factors. The airline has been closely monitoring the evolving circumstances, with a focus on safety protocols, security measures, airspace availability, and overall operational feasibility. The spokesperson emphasized that the decision was made to prioritize passenger and crew safety amidst the ongoing regional tensions.
Cancellation of Select European Flights
In addition to the Middle East suspension, Air India has also cancelled specific flights to Europe scheduled for March 2, 2026, along with their corresponding return legs. The affected services include:
- AI117: Amritsar to Birmingham
- AI151 / AI152: Delhi to Zurich and return
- AI157 / AI158: Delhi to Copenhagen and return
- AI114: Birmingham to Delhi
The airline assured that other flights to North America and Europe will continue to operate as scheduled. However, these services will utilize alternative routings over available Middle East airspaces, which are expected to result in increased overall flying times due to the detours.
Revised Routings and Technical Stops
Air India confirmed that flights to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport will now include technical stops at Rome's Fiumicino Airport. This adjustment is part of the airline's strategy to navigate the restricted airspaces while maintaining connectivity to key destinations.
Passenger Assistance and Communication
The airline expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by these changes and is actively assisting affected passengers with alternative travel arrangements. Travelers with impacted bookings are being notified through their registered contact details, including email and phone numbers. Air India has committed to continuing its monitoring of developments and will provide further updates as necessary to keep passengers informed.
IndiGo Also Adjusts Operations Due to Airspace Restrictions
Meanwhile, IndiGo, another major Indian carrier, has announced that it is making measured and responsible decisions regarding select international sectors in response to the developments in Middle Eastern airspace. The airline stated that it will support impacted customers with rebooking flexibility or refunds, ensuring minimal disruption to travel plans.
Affected IndiGo Services on March 2, 2026
IndiGo has provided a comprehensive list of affected services scheduled for March 2, 2026, due to airspace restrictions. The impacted flights include:
- London / Europe: Services such as 6E 1 (Mumbai–London), 6E 2 (London–Mumbai), and multiple routes to Amsterdam, Manchester, and Athens.
- Turkey / Ras Al Khaimah: Flights including 6E 11/12 (Delhi–Ras Al Khaimah–Istanbul) and 6E 17/18 (Mumbai–Ras Al Khaimah–Istanbul).
- Qatar (Doha): Multiple services from cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kochi, and Kannur.
- UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah): Numerous flights connecting Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai to these destinations.
- Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain: Services to Kuwait City, Muscat, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Medina, and Bahrain from various Indian hubs.
IndiGo has assured that passengers will be directly informed through their registered contact details. Affected travelers can explore alternate travel options or claim refunds through the airline's official website.
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Updates
Both Air India and IndiGo have reiterated their commitment to closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East. They plan to issue further updates as necessary, adapting their operations to ensure safety and minimize passenger inconvenience. The airlines are working collaboratively with aviation authorities to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing regional tensions.
