Nearly 180 flights have been canceled due to airspace closures in the Middle East after US-Israeli strikes on Iran sparked a series of deadly attacks, prompting Tehran to launch counterfire, targeting Washington’s bases across the region.
Explosions were reported across the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait among other places in the Gulf following Iran’s response. Track the tensions between Iran and the US live here
Full list of Indian airlines affected by the conflict in the Middle East:
Air India and IndiGo were among the Indian airlines that suspended flight operations in the Middle East, while an update was awaited from Air India Express and SpiceJet on the same.
At least 72 IndiGo flights, 31 Air India flights and 55 Air India Express flights were cancelled, according to sources.
Air India flights cancelled:
Air India: 31
Indigo: 72
Air India Express: 55
SpiceJet: 13
Acasa Airlines: 8
the total: 179
US-Israeli strikes on Iran sparked a massive chain reaction, with Tehran launching a barrage of missiles across the Middle East, targeting Washington’s bases. The UAE Ministry of Defense said in a statement that a civilian was killed in Iranian strikes that hit Abu Dhabi on Saturday, as Tehran launched attacks across the Gulf in response to US and Israeli strikes.
In southern Iran, a US-Israeli raid targeted a school in southern Iran, killing 51 students, state television reported on Saturday, quoting a local official, according to Agence France-Presse.
Air India has canceled all its flights to and from the Gulf region, mainly to Abu Dhabi, UAE (AUH), Dammam, Saudi Arabia (DMM), Doha, Qatar (DOH), Dubai, UAE (DXB), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (JED), Muscat, Oman (MCT), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (RUH), and Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV), the airline said in a statement posted on its social media handle X.
IndiGo said in its statement: “In light of the evolving situation around Iran and the Middle East, our flight operations to and from the Middle East and other selected international sectors have been suspended until 1 March 2026, 1800 hours India time.”
“We understand the impact this may have on your travel plans and are deeply sorry for the inconvenience. We hope you understand that this decision has been made as a proactive safety measure,” IndiGo said.
(With inputs from Neha Tripathi)
