- Flight Disruptions
- Middle East conflict prompts 700+ flight cancellations; India routes, fares hit
Middle East conflict prompts 700+ flight cancellations; India routes, fares hit
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Possibly eligible for compensation
By Matteo Floris
Last updated on 3 March 2026
716
Affected flights
2
Affected airports
7
Affected airlines
What Happened
Airspace closures across several Middle Eastern countries triggered widespread cancellations and rerouting. On March 1, about 716 flights in the region were canceled, following nearly 1,800 the previous day. Indian carriers and airports experienced significant impacts, including 444 cancellations on March 1 and 410 on February 28. Mumbai recorded 57 cancellations and Hyderabad over 50 in a day, while fares on key international routes surged. Airlines adjusted routings with technical stops, and authorities coordinated passenger support and operational measures.
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
Flight operations across key Middle Eastern and Indian corridors have been heavily disrupted following airspace closures in Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, and Israel amid an escalating conflict. Airlines reported mass cancellations and extensive rerouting of services.
On March 1, approximately 716 scheduled flights in the Middle East were canceled, adding to nearly 1,800 cancellations the previous day. In India, over 444 flights were expected to be canceled on March 1, after 410 cancellations on February 28. Airlines have extended suspensions to destinations in the Gulf, the Middle East, Europe, and North America while safety concerns persist.
Multiple carriers were affected. Regional operators included Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways, while Indian airlines impacted included Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India Express. Air India rerouted select long-haul services to North America and Europe via European paths with technical stops in Rome and Vienna. IndiGo suspended certain international flights using West Asia airspace until at least March 2, offering full refunds and flexible rebooking through March 7. Akasa Air and Air India Express also suspended services to Gulf destinations.
Airports across India experienced notable disruptions. At Mumbai Airport, 57 flights were canceled by late Saturday, with increased congestion and parking constraints limiting further diversions. International destinations affected included London, New York, Chicago, Paris, and Toronto. One-way fares on impacted routes rose to around ₹1.4 lakh. In Hyderabad, more than 50 flights were canceled in a single day, particularly on routes to Europe and the UAE. Airfares increased by 200–300%, with one-way fares to London reaching ₹65,000–₹90,000, and U.S.-bound itineraries (via Addis Ababa) around ₹1.5 lakh. Airlines revised routings from Hyderabad as well, including technical stops (e.g., Rome) on U.S.-bound trips.
Indian authorities, including the Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA, initiated mitigation measures. Major airports were placed on operational alert, with senior officials deployed to manage terminal congestion and assist passengers through the AirSewa platform. Travelers were advised to check flight status regularly and utilize available rebooking and refund options.
Airlines also face financial strain. Indian carriers are estimated to incur direct revenue losses of about ₹500 crore from cancellations, in addition to higher operating costs from detours, fuel burn, technical stops, and reduced cargo capacity. Timelines for a return to normal operations remain uncertain.
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
Flights affected
716
Airlines affected
Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India Express
Airports affected
Mumbai Airport, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
Start date
2026-02-28
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
3 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.
