Indian airlines suspended and diverted several international flights on Saturday after widespread airspace closures across the Middle East disrupted operations amid escalating tensions involving Israel and Iran.
IndiGo announced the temporary cancellation of all flights to and from the Middle East due to restrictions around Iranian airspace.
“In view of evolving airspace restrictions around Iran and the Middle East, all flights to and from the Middle East are cancelled till 0000 hrs,” the airline said in a post on X.
According to a media report, services were halted to and from Dubai, Jeddah, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Bahrain, Sharjah, Kuwait and Ras Al-Khaimah. IndiGo said the decision was taken in the interest of passenger and crew safety, adding that its teams were closely monitoring the situation and adjusting operations to minimise disruption.
Air India confirmed that its Delhi–Tel Aviv flight was forced to turn back following the closure of Israeli airspace. Flight AI139, operating on February 28, returned to India and was diverted to Mumbai.
“AI139 operating from Delhi to Tel Aviv on 28 February is returning to India due to closure of air space in Israel and in the interest of safety of passengers and crew,” an Air India spokesperson said, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused. The airline said it would continue to assess the safety and security environment and adjust operations as required.
According to flight tracking data from Flightradar24, the Boeing 777 aircraft had been airborne for more than five hours and was over Saudi Arabian airspace when the decision to return was made.
Air India later announced a broader suspension of all flights to Middle East destinations, reiterating its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards.
Air India Express also suspended all westbound international flights.
A spokesperson said the move was prompted by the developing situation in parts of the Gulf region, adding that passenger safety remained the airline’s top priority and that assistance was being provided to affected travellers.
SpiceJet said some of its Dubai-bound flights could be impacted due to airspace closure at Dubai International Airport (DXB), advising passengers to check flight status updates or contact its helpline.
Akasa Air suspended flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Doha and Jeddah for February 28, 2026, citing the prevailing situation in the Middle East. The airline said it would issue daily updates and urged passengers to check its website before heading to the airport.
The disruptions follow intensified military action involving Israel, the United States and Iran, leading to airspace closures across parts of the Middle East, including the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Jordan. Flightradar24 said the restrictions were affecting a large number of flights and airlines across multiple regions.
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