While Oman and Saudi Arabian airspace remained partially open, Indian carriers avoided transit cancelling their outbound Europe and US flights on Sunday
| Photo Credit:
PTI
Indian carriers cancelled 350 international flights on Sunday with the closure of airspace amind ongoing clashes in West Asia region.
UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar remain closed for air traffic due to drone assaults and attacks on local airports. While Oman and Saudi Arabian airspace remained partially open, Indian carriers avoided transit cancelling their outbound Europe and US flights on Sunday.
Air India said close monitoring and careful assessment of the evolving situation in the Middle East resulted in further curtailment of its scheduled operations to Europe and US on Sunday. As on Sunday evening, Air India was yet to finalise it’s operational plan for Monday. IndiGo said it’s Europe flights would be cancelled in addition to those in West Asia.
Air India Express too has extended cancellation of flights to the Gulf Co-operation Council member countries till Monday midnight.
Indian embassies offer help, DGCA issues directives
The shut down of all the major West Asia hubs led to massive disruption. Flights bound to Dubai and Doha diverted to European airports while some returned to point of origin.
Indian embassy in Hungary arranged for meals for 130 passengers on a Emirates Chicago-Dubai flight which diverted to Budapest, it said in a X post. Similarly, Indian Embassy in Kuwait said it is in touch with and assist the Indian nationals stranded in Kuwait due to temporary airspace shutdown.
Meanwhile the Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Saturday issued instructions to airlines and airports on passenger facilitation and operational co-ordination. Among other things it requires airlines and airports to set up disruption help desks. Also airlines have been asked to arrange adequate meals/water for stranded passengers, update IT systems for rescheduling and refunds and have 24/7 manning of customer care centres.
Published on March 1, 2026