The Indian carriers have cancelled their Middle East flights because of the heightened tension in the region, affecting thousands of flyers and also causing substantial financial damage to the airlines. Air India, which is already facing flight disruptions, has suspended flights to the Middle East, Europe as well as to five US and Canada destinations.
"In light of the changing scenario and the closure of some airspaces over the Middle East, Air India Express has suspended flight operations to the Middle East temporarily," the airline, which has operations to more than 15 Middle Eastern destinations, stated in a release.
"Given recent geopolitical developments and the closure of airspace over countries, Indian carriers have been compelled to cancel or reroute several flights to ensure operational safety. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is continuously monitoring the situation and coordinating with airlines to provide real-time updates. Passenger safety remains our top priority, and every effort is being made to minimise disruption and inconvenience," said Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.
The Indian airlines have either suspended, cancelled, or diverted their flights to the Middle East due to the escalating tensions in the region, impacting thousands of passengers and also resulting in significant financial loss for the carriers.
"Amid the developing situation in the Middle East, Air India has ceased all operations to the region as well as to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe with immediate effect, until further notice. Our India-bound flights from North America are diverting back to their respective origins and others are being diverted back to India or re-routed away from the closed airspaces. We request the understanding of all passengers who may be affected by this disruption that’s beyond an airline’s control. Air India is in continuous consultation with its external security advisors and is vigilantly monitoring the evolving situation. We will keep our passengers informed of any updates. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our number one priority," said Air India spokesperson.
IndiGo on Tuesday morning said it is currently and progressively recommencing operations as airports of the Middle East reopen gradually.
"We remain closely watching the situation and are entirely taking into account the safest available routes to maintain secure and uninterrupted travel," the carrier said in an X post.
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Dubai and Doha airports are also international hubs, such as for Indian travellers going to Europe and the US.
"Following the situation in the Middle East, Air India has suspended all flights to the region as well as between the East Coast of North America and Europe with immediate effect...," Air India said in a statement.
"Our North America-originating flights heading to India are returning to their respective points of origin and others are being re-routed back to India or away from the closed airspaces," the statement continued.
SpiceJet in a tweet stated that some of its flights stand to be affected due to the airspace closure in the Middle East.
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On a tweet by X, Akasa Air stated that its flight operations to and from the area could be affected considering the current scenario in the Middle East.
Earlier during Monday, several flights were diverted by Indian carriers as a few Gulf nations closed their airspace after Iran launched missile attacks on US airbase in Qatar. The airlines will also face serious monetary losses as a result of the disruption in operations.
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