Air India Suspends Multiple International Flights
Air India has announced the cancellation of 28 flights set for March 1, 2026, connecting major cities in Europe, the United States, and Canada. The move comes in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East following a series of Iranian attacks on US bases in Gulf nations, leading to heightened concerns regarding the safety of air travel in the region.
In a statement released on social media, Air India emphasized that the decision was taken after a thorough assessment of the evolving situation. The airline prioritized the safety of its passengers and crew and faced operational challenges due to the closure of multiple airspaces impacting flight operations.
Background on the Air Travel Disruptions
Recent military actions have created a destabilized atmosphere in the Middle East, affecting air travel significantly. Various airlines are struggling to navigate alternate routes due to the ongoing regional conflicts, making it imperative for airlines to cancel or delay flights.
An official statement from Air India indicated that the flight cancellations were a precautionary measure. “We are closely monitoring the situation and will take necessary actions to ensure the safety of our guests and staff,” the company remarked.
Details of the Flight Cancellations
Affected Routes
The affected flights include crucial connections such as the Delhi-London route, which has two services canceled, along with flights between Delhi and New York, and Delhi and Frankfurt, among others. The full list of canceled flights is as follows:
- AI161/AI162 and AI111/AI112: Delhi-London (Heathrow) / London (Heathrow)-Delhi
- AI129/AI128: Mumbai-London (Heathrow) / London (Heathrow)-Mumbai
- AI169/AI170: Amritsar-London (Gatwick) / London (Gatwick)-Amritsar
- AI101/AI102: Delhi-New York (JFK) / New York (JFK)-Delhi
- AI119/AI116: Mumbai-New York (JFK) / New York (JFK)-Mumbai
- AI191/AI144: Mumbai-Newark / Newark – Mumbai
- AI127/AI126: Delhi-Chicago / Chicago-Delhi (via Vienna)
- AI187/AI188 and AI189 and AI190: Delhi-Toronto / Toronto-Delhi (via Vienna)
- AI2025/AI2026: Delhi-Frankfurt / Frankfurt-Delhi
- AI2027/AI2028: Mumbai-Frankfurt / Frankfurt-Mumbai
- AI143/AI142 and AI147/AI148: Delhi-Paris / Paris-Delhi
The network of cancellations not only affects Air India but has also led to disruptions in broader air travel in India and the region.
Kolkata Flights Also Impacted
In addition to the international cancellations by Air India, four flights from Kolkata to Middle Eastern destinations were also called off. These cancellations arose from operational hiccups due to the high tensions in the region following military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran.
An official at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport confirmed that flights facing cancellations included services from Emirates and Qatar Airways to Dubai and Doha, as well as Etihad Airways flights to Abu Dhabi.
Impact on Other Airlines
Akasa Air’s Advisory
Responding to the same crisis, Akasa Air has suspended all flights to and from major hubs in the Middle East including Abu Dhabi and Doha until March 2, 2026. The airline has assured travelers that full refunds or rescheduling options will be available for affected flights booked through March 7, 2026.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and will adjust our services as needed to ensure the safety of our passengers,” an official representative stated.
Concerns from the Indian Consulate
In response to the ongoing travel issues, the Consul General of India in Jeddah convened a virtual meeting with airline representatives to discuss implications for Indian nationals affected by the flight disruptions. An official post from the Consulate General confirmed that carriers were working diligently to facilitate timely communication regarding cancellations, refunds, and passenger assistance.
“Airlines are urged to ensure that Indian nationals receive all necessary support during this tumultuous time,” the Consulate stated, promoting active communication channels for updates and queries
Further Repercussions in the Aviation Sector
As geopolitical tensions mount, additional airlines are also experiencing disruptions. Qatar Airways and Kuwait Airways have halted their operations temporarily, while Turkish Airlines has canceled flights to various Middle Eastern destinations. Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced a suspension of all flights to Iran amid the escalating situation.
Air travel disruptions point to the broader implications of geopolitical conflicts, including rising costs and diminished travel options for passengers. Stakeholders across the industry are focusing on enhancing passenger safety and providing comprehensive support during this crisis.
Importance of Staying Informed
Passengers and travelers are strongly encouraged to stay updated through official sources regarding the status of their flights. Airlines are prioritizing timely communication and offering support for affected travelers amid these disruptions.
The Indian government has emphasized that any Indian national facing issues due to travel disruptions should directly reach out to the respective consulates for assistance.
Conclusion and Next Steps
As the situation unfolds, airlines like Air India continue to assess their operations in response to security risks and passenger safety concerns. Regular updates from government agencies and airlines will provide necessary guidance for both travelers and those planning upcoming trips in this volatile period.
Precautionary measures taken by airlines and the government underscore the ongoing commitment to ensuring that all travel can proceed safely, linking India with distant destinations amidst challenging global dynamics.