New Delhi, March 1, 2026: India’s civil aviation sector is facing major disruption today with 444 flights expected to be cancelled, as tensions in the Middle East continue to impact international and domestic air travel, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has announced.
The cancellations come in the wake of escalating geopolitical conflict in the Middle East involving Iran and Israel, which has led to airspace restrictions over Iran and several neighbouring countries. These restrictions have forced many airlines to reroute, suspend, or cancel services to ensure passenger safety.
According to the MoCA, 410 flights of domestic carriers were cancelled on February 28, and a further 444 flights are anticipated to be grounded on March 1 as the situation continues to evolve. The aircraft cancellations affect both international and domestic services that normally transit through or near restricted airspace in West Asia.
In an official post on X (formerly Twitter), the Ministry stated that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is in close coordination with airlines to ensure full compliance with safety and operational regulations. The ministry has also activated its Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) to address travel disruptions and assist affected passengers.
Impact on Airports and Passengers
Major Indian airports have been placed on operational alert, with senior officials deployed on the ground to manage diversions, provide passenger assistance, and oversee crowd control amid the flight disruptions. Travellers have been strongly advised to check their flight status directly with airlines before heading to airports due to the likelihood of further schedule changes or cancellations.
Many passengers have already experienced long waits and frustration due to last-minute schedule changes, and airport terminals have seen increased footfall as travellers seek alternate routes or await updated flight information.
Safety and Coordination Measures
In response to the crisis, the DGCA has issued safety advisories urging all Indian carriers to avoid affected airspaces and to monitor updates from international aviation authorities. Airlines, including major carriers, are working to rebook passengers, provide refunds, or offer alternative travel arrangements where possible.
The ministry’s digital grievance platform AirSewa recorded 216 complaints on February 28, of which 105 were resolved promptly, highlighting active efforts to support travellers during the disruption.
Broader Context
The cancellations reflect the wider impact of the Middle East conflict on global aviation networks, as key air routes connecting Asia, Europe, and North America typically depend on safe passage through West Asian airspace. With several countries restricting their airspace amid rising tensions, flights have faced challenges in finding alternate paths, resulting in delays and cancellations across the industry.
