Middle East crisis disrupts Indian aviation: 444 flights likely to be cancelled on March 1

India’s civil aviation sector continues to face disruption amid escalating tensions in West Asia, with the Ministry of Civil Aviation confirming that 444 flights operated by domestic carriers are expected to be cancelled on March 1. A day earlier, 410 such flights were cancelled due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East.

In a post on X, the ministry said, "Due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East, 410 flights of domestic carriers were cancelled on 28 February, and 444 flights are expected to be cancelled on 1 March."

Authorities on alert, passengers advised caution

The ministry said aviation authorities are closely monitoring developments and coordinating with airlines and airport operators to minimise inconvenience. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is maintaining coordination with carriers to ensure compliance with safety and operational regulations.

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"DGCA is maintaining close coordination with airlines to ensure full compliance with safety and operational regulations. Passengers are advised to check and confirm their flight status with the respective airlines before proceeding to the airport. Major airports remain on operational alert to manage potential diversions and ensure seamless passenger facilitation. Passenger assistance, airline coordination, and terminal crowd management are being closely monitored, with senior officials deployed on the ground."

Grievance redressal mechanisms active

The ministry said its Passenger Assistance Control Room remains fully operational. On February 28, AirSewa recorded 216 grievances, of which 105 were resolved the same day. "The Ministry’s Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) continues to closely monitor passenger concerns and facilitate prompt redressal. On 28 February, AirSewa recorded 216 grievances, and 105 grievances were resolved during the same period ensuring necessary support to affected passengers. All stakeholders are working in coordination to ensure orderly handling of affected passengers and timely assistance to all concerned travellers,” the statement added.

Also Read | Air India cancels multiple international flights on March 1 as Middle East tensions escalate; Here's the full list

Airlines cancel international services

The disruption follows coordinated US-Israel strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions by Tehran, prompting multiple countries to impose airspace restrictions.

Air India cancelled 28 international flights scheduled for March 1, including services connecting Delhi and Mumbai with London, New York, Newark, Chicago, Toronto, Frankfurt and Paris. The airline also suspended flights to Middle East destinations until 2359 hours on March 1 and is offering rebooking and refunds.

IndiGo issued a travel advisory stating it is closely monitoring the evolving situation.

The ministry is also coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs to address urgent requirements involving Indian carriers or nationals abroad. Passengers have been urged to remain in contact with airlines as the situation remains fluid.