- Flight Disruptions
- Kerala’s Gulf-bound flights canceled for third day as airspace remains shut
Kerala’s Gulf-bound flights canceled for third day as airspace remains shut
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By Matteo Floris
Last updated on 2 March 2026
4
Affected airports
11
Affected airlines
4
Affected airports
11
Affected airlines
What Happened
Kerala’s four international airports are facing a third straight day of Gulf-bound cancellations due to a Gulf airspace shutdown linked to conflict in West Asia. Thiruvananthapuram reported 37 cancellations on Saturday and 26 on Sunday. Cochin recorded 35 cancellations, while Kannur saw six Gulf-bound flights canceled on Sunday. Calicut reported about ten cancellations and later suspended all Gulf flights from noon. Some limited services operated, and passenger assistance desks are active. Authorities advise travelers to verify flight status with airlines before heading to the airport.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to €600 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
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Flight Disruption Details
Gulf-bound services from Kerala continued to be disrupted for a third consecutive day as airlines curtailed operations in response to a Gulf airspace shutdown amid conflict in West Asia. The cancellations affected all four of the state’s international gateways: Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kannur, and Kozhikode.
At Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 37 departures scheduled for Saturday and 26 planned for Sunday were canceled. Cochin International Airport recorded 35 cancellations, though a limited number of Gulf services still operated. At Kochi specifically, 18 outbound and seven inbound Gulf-related flights were canceled. Kannur International Airport reported six Gulf-bound cancellations on Sunday, including outbound services to Doha and Fujairah (IndiGo) and inbound flights from Abu Dhabi (IndiGo) and Dubai (Air India Express). Calicut International reported about ten cancellations; despite this, a Saudia service arrived from Riyadh early in the morning before the airport later suspended all flights to Gulf destinations from noon, affecting multiple IndiGo and Air India Express services.
A small number of flights continued to operate on select routes, including services by Oman Air, Saudia, IndiGo, Air Arabia, Etihad, and SpiceJet. However, additional Gulf-bound services scheduled for Sunday remained uncertain as carriers awaited further updates. Passenger assistance desks have been set up across the airports to support affected travelers.
Airport authorities stated that the root cause of the disruption is the shutdown of Gulf airspace. A senior official noted that with the Middle East air network effectively closed, operations cannot resume until formal clearances are communicated by the region. Air India Express, which typically operates around 110 Gulf flights daily, has adopted a wait-and-watch approach.
Passengers planning to travel to or from Gulf destinations have been advised to verify the latest flight status directly with their airlines before heading to the airport.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Cancellation
Cause
Other
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Possibly eligible for compensation
Airlines affected
Oman Air, Saudia, IndiGo, Air Arabia, Etihad, SpiceJet, Emirates, Air India Express, Akasa Air, Jazeera Airways, Air India
Airports affected
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Cochin International Airport, Kannur International Airport, Calicut International Airport
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
2 March 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Collect proof that your flight was canceled, e.g. boarding pass, vouchers and any other travel documents.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the cancellation and reasons behind it.
Request an alternate flight to your destination - or a refund.
Make a note of the arrival time at your destination.
Ask the airline to pay for your meals and refreshments.
Don't sign anything or accept any offers that may waive your rights.
Get the airline to provide you with a hotel room, if needed.
Keep your receipts if your canceled flight ends up costing you extra money.
