As the situation becomes increasingly volatile in West Asia following the US-Israel strikes on Iran, the world has already begun to feel the effects on air travel. Airspace has been shut down in many countries, and major hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha have been forced to suspend flight operations, with many airlines across the world re-routing flights.

Thousands of travellers are stranded, and for the international traveller, it has become imperative that they know their rights and what the airlines have to offer.

Why are flights being cancelled?

The retaliatory strikes and missile attacks have closed all airspaces in Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE, thus disrupting the busiest air travel route between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Hamad International Airport in Doha, and Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv are canceling flights and diverting routes, thus disrupting air travel in the region.

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Over 19,000 flights are being delayed worldwide, and in many instances, flights are being suspended. Aircraft are displaced around the world, and airspace reopenings are still uncertain. Airlines warn that disruptions may last for several days.

DGCA's updated rules

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently strengthened the refund and cancellation policy. The new guidelines state:

You can cancel your booking within 48 hours without any charges applicable for all bookings. The full refund will be initiated within 14 days of cancellation.

In case of major disruptions, the airline should offer an alternate flight or refund with no penalties applicable. These regulations have been set for Indian carriers and bookings originating in India, and they are especially relevant in the current scenario.

Air India

Air India continues to cancel multiple international flights impacted by Middle East airspace restrictions. According to the latest update by the airline, it stated, "In view of the continuing situation in the Middle East, Air India has extended the suspension of all flights to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Qatar until 2359 hrs IST on 2 March 2026."

Also Read | Israel-US strikes on Iran force airspace shutdown; Air India, IndiGo issue travel advisories

It also announced cancellation of select flights to Europe scheduled on March 2, along with the scheduled return legs of these flights.

The airline is offering rebooking options on alternate flights, full refunds for affected passengers, according to DGCA rules. Assistance is available through the website, customer care, or the booking source. Passengers should stay updated because of ongoing cancellations.

IndiGo

As per the latest update, IndiGo stated, "As part of our continued precautionary approach, the temporary suspension of select international flights operating through parts of the Middle Eastern airspace has been extended. Additionally, certain other international services may be impacted as we align operations with evolving conditions."

The airline is offering free rescheduling, complete refunds on cancelled routes, waivers on change fees for impacted travel sectors and continuous communication through registered contact details. "If your booking is impacted, you will receive timely notifications on your registered contact details, and our teams will connect with you directly to provide assistance and guide you through the available options," it said.

Also Read | Booked a flight by mistake? New DGCA rule lets you cancel within 48 hours — no extra charges

"To support you, we are extending full flexibility and waivers for travel to and from the Middle East, along with other impacted international sectors, until 7th March 2026, for bookings made on or before 28th February 2026. Customers may reschedule at no additional cost or opt for a full refund via https://t.co/9VuwyhxE9G," the statement added.

Emirates

According to the latest update by Emirates, "Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, up until 1500hrs UAE time on Monday, 2 March."

The airline stated that if people are booked to travel before or on March 5, their are, "Rebook on an alternate flight. You can rebook on another flight to your intended destination up to 20 days from your original date of travel. If you booked your flight with a travel agent, please contact them. If you booked with us directly, contact us at http://emirat.es/support.

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Request for refund. You can request for a refund of your ticket by completing the refund form at http://emirat.es/refund if you booked with us directly. If you booked your flights with a travel agent, please contact them."

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways provided an update for its customers on X and stated, "Qatar Airways flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace. A further update will be provided on March 03 by 09:00 Doha time (06:00 UTC). Passengers are advised to monitor the latest flight information via http://qatarairways.com or the Qatar Airways mobile app."

Etihad Airways

The airline mentioned that "regional airspace closures continue to impact Etihad's operations, and all flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 14:00 UAE time on Tuesday 3 March".

It urged people to check their flight status at http://etihad.com before travelling to the airport.

"Ensure their contact details are up to date in their booking. Guests holding Etihad tickets issued on or before 28 February 2026, with original travel dates up to 7 March 2026, may rebook free of charge onto Etihad-operated flights up to 18 March 2026.

Also Read | Iranian attack causes damage to Dubai International Airport, verified footage shows

Guests on all Etihad flights until 7 March may request a full refund at http://etihad.com/en/help/refund-form or through their travel agent. Guests who booked through a travel agent should contact their agent directly."

British Airways

British Airways has announced that customers traveling between London and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, or Tel Aviv until March 15 can change their travel date without any fee. The new journey must be on or before March 29. Travellers set to fly before March 8 can also ask for a full refund.

Akasa Air

In view of the ongoing conflict, Akasa Air has said that they are taking "measured decisions across select international sectors".

"As part of our continued commitment to safety and responsible operations, we are taking measured decisions across select international sectors in view of the evolving situation in the Middle East. As shared earlier, Akasa Air flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait and Riyadh have been suspended until March 02, 2026," the statement said.

Also Read | Qatar Airways suspends flights after airspace closure, India issues helpline for affected passengers

"Passengers with impacted bookings until March 07, 2026, may opt for a full refund or reschedule their travel at no additional charge. Our teams are actively reaching out to assist affected passengers using the contact details provided at the time of booking or web check in," the airline added.