Indian airlines have temporarily suspended flights to the Middle East as tensions in the region escalate, causing major disruptions for passengers and leading to heavy financial losses for carriers.
Air India, already facing operational challenges, has halted services not only to the Middle East but also to parts of Europe, the US, and Canada. “In view of the evolving situation and the closure of certain airspaces in the Middle East, Air India Express has temporarily suspended flights to the region,” the airline said. Air India Express typically serves over 15 destinations in the Gulf.
IndiGo, India’s largest airline, said on Tuesday that it is gradually resuming operations as Middle Eastern airports begin to reopen. “We continue to monitor the situation closely and are fully considering the safest available flight paths to ensure secure and seamless travel,” IndiGo said in a post on X.
The closure of airspace in several Gulf countries, including the UAE and Qatar, has also disrupted global carriers like Qatar Airways. These airports serve as major international transit points, especially for Indian travelers heading to Europe and North America.
Air India confirmed it has suspended all operations to the Middle East, East Coast of North America, and Europe until further notice. “Our India-bound flights from North America are diverting back to their origins, and others are either being rerouted or returned to India,” the airline said.
SpiceJet and Akasa Air also issued statements, warning passengers that some of their flights may be affected due to the volatile situation and restricted airspace in the Middle East.
The chaos began after Iran launched missile attacks on a US airbase in Qatar, prompting immediate airspace closures across several Gulf nations. Indian airlines had to divert multiple flights on Monday as a result.
Airlines now face the dual burden of disrupted schedules and major financial fallout due to cancelled flights, re-routings, and passenger compensation—just as the busy summer travel season approaches.
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