On February 28, 2026, India’s aviation industry was severely affected as the country’s major air carriers, IndiGo and Air India, suspended all their flight operations to the Middle East countries. This came as a result of a dramatic escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran, which saw a series of coordinated strikes and retaliatory attacks spreading throughout the region.
Widespread Airspace Closures
The decision to suspend flight operations to the Middle East countries came as a result of a rapid deterioration of security as the conflict spread to areas beyond Israel and Iran. Severe attacks were reported in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, and parts of Saudi Arabia, which prompted several countries to shut their airspace to civilian traffic.
Air India issued an immediate advisory suspending all its flight operations to Middle Eastern countries until further notice. Air India emphasized that “the safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority, and we have decided to suspend our operations to Middle Eastern countries until further notice.” Interestingly, an Air India flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv was made to return mid-air and land in Mumbai after Israel’s airspace was shut down.
Wider Impact on Aviation in India
The crisis not only disrupted direct flights but also had an impact on long-haul flights. The massive “no-go zone” between Pakistan and Iraq means that flights to Europe and America by Indian airlines now have to be longer than they used to be. Experts have also gone so far as to say that these flights could even make halts in Vienna and Rome.
As of late Saturday, other airlines such as SpiceJet, Air India Express, and Akasa Air have also adjusted or canceled their flights to the Gulf region. Passengers have been asked to make full refunds and wait for alternative flights to be available, until the region stabilizes.
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