Flight Chaos in India: Over 130 Cancellations at Delhi, Chennai Airports Amid Iran-Israel Conflict
The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran has triggered widespread disruption in international flight operations, severely impacting airports across India and the Middle East. This aviation crisis has left hundreds of passengers stranded and forced airlines to implement emergency measures.
Major Disruptions at Key Indian Airports
At Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, a staggering 100 flights were cancelled on Sunday, March 2, 2026. This included 60 departures and 40 arrivals, with schedule changes continuing into Monday as multiple West Asian countries shut their airspace. The airport authorities issued a travel advisory, urging passengers to check flight updates directly with airlines before travelling to avoid inconvenience.
Similarly, Chennai airport experienced significant disruptions, with 30 flights cancelled amid the broader aviation chaos. The ripple effects of the conflict have extended beyond these hubs, causing cancellations at other Indian airports as well.
Airlines Respond with Refunds and Rescheduling Options
Indian carriers have swiftly moved to assist affected passengers. IndiGo stated that travellers impacted by cancellations or diversions over Middle Eastern airspace would be notified through registered contact details. The airline advised passengers to consider refunds or alternative arrangements if required, emphasizing safety as a priority.
Akasa Air took more drastic steps, temporarily suspending services to key Middle Eastern destinations, including Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait, and Riyadh, until March 2. The airline offered impacted travellers the option to reschedule or claim full refunds for bookings until March 7, 2026, highlighting their commitment to passenger welfare during this turbulent period.
Passengers Stranded and Authorities on Alert
The crisis has left numerous Indian travellers stranded in Gulf transit hubs. BJP MP Hemang Joshi reported that over 45 tourists from Vadodara, Gujarat, are currently stuck at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports following flight cancellations. While no major hardships have been reported so far, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and exploring possible assistance measures.
Passengers at airports expressed mixed emotions. One individual in the travel industry noted that almost all flights to the Middle East were being cancelled, creating difficulties for those planning religious travel during Ramadan. Another passenger, Rafia Khan, appreciated the courteous assistance from airport staff despite initial panic, as correct information allowed her to see off her parents safely.
Broader Impact and Regional Concerns
The flight disruptions are not limited to Delhi and Chennai. Reports indicate that over 30 flights scheduled to depart from Cochin International Airport in Kerala were cancelled on Monday. Additionally, six flights operating between Jaipur and destinations like Sharjah, Dubai, and Muscat were cancelled on Sunday night, affecting both incoming and outgoing services.
Airspace closures by Israel, Iran, and Iraq have heightened concerns of a wider regional escalation, prompting airlines to prioritize operational safety. The evolving political situation in the Middle East continues to pose challenges for westbound international operations, with airlines working diligently to assist affected passengers while ensuring secure travel protocols.
As the conflict intensifies, travellers are advised to stay updated through official channels and plan accordingly to navigate this unprecedented aviation disruption.
