Middle East airspace closures disrupt 400+ flights as Iran conflict leaves passengers stranded at Mumbai and Bengaluru airports

Escalating tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States have triggered widespread flight cancellations and airspace closures across West Asia, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at major Indian airports including Mumbai and Bengaluru.

As military strikes and retaliatory threats intensified, several countries temporarily shut their airspace, severely affecting international travel to and through the Middle East.

At Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, passengers travelling to Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Italy reported abrupt cancellations. Airline staff cited the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict and airspace restrictions across West Asia as the reason. Some travellers told ANI that they were informed flights would not resume until a ceasefire was in place, leaving them uncertain about their travel plans.

The airport issued an advisory on X (formerly Twitter) stating, “Due to the evolving situation in parts of the Middle East, some international flights are experiencing schedule changes. To support passengers, a dedicated help desk is being set up at the Kerbside (Level 3) of Terminal 2 to assist travellers with information and guidance.”

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Mumbai passengers complain of poor communication

Similar scenes unfolded at Mumbai airport, where passengers bound for the US and Europe via Gulf hubs said they were left waiting without clear updates. Several complained about a lack of prior intimation regarding cancellations and said they were struggling to secure rebookings.

"We were trying to fly back to the US, and our flight got cancelled... We did not get any information regarding our flight cancellation... We have not received any messages. We've been here for almost an hour now... We were going via Bahrain..." a passenger said, as quoted by ANI.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport issued an advisory saying, “Due to temporary closures and restrictions affecting multiple international airspaces in West Asia, certain international flights may experience delays, rerouting, or cancellations. Passengers are advised to check the latest flight status with their respective airlines before travelling to the airport and plan their journey accordingly.”

Disruptions spread across India and overseas

Cancellations were also reported from Kolkata, affecting passengers travelling to Doha, Dubai, Dammam and Abu Dhabi. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport saw multiple arrivals and departures between February 28 and March 1 cancelled.

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The Ministry of Civil Aviation said 444 flights were expected to be cancelled on Saturday alone due to airspace restrictions. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is coordinating with airlines to ensure passenger safety and assistance.

The impact extended overseas as well. A JD(S) legislator from Karnataka was stranded at Dubai International Airport after the UAE temporarily shut its airspace, with passengers deboarded and awaiting further instructions. Indian missions in the UAE and other West Asian countries have issued advisories and emergency helplines for stranded nationals, PTI reported.

Globally, AP reported that more than 1,000 flights were cancelled after major aviation hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha halted operations. Aviation experts have warned that the disruptions could continue for several days.