Flight Cancellations Surge Amid West Asia Tensions: What You Need to Know

The ongoing tensions in West Asia have led to significant flight cancellations, with over 4,335 Indian flights and 1,187 foreign flights grounded. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu emphasized passenger safety as the top priority, stating that operations cannot continue when airspace is closed. Despite the disruptions, approximately 219,780 passengers have still traveled during this period. The aviation ministry is in constant contact with authorities to monitor the situation, and normal operations will resume once airspace restrictions are lifted. Additionally, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation revealed that India has over 11,000 pilots, including nearly 1,900 women.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 15:27 IST

Significant Flight Disruptions Reported

New Delhi: On Monday, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu revealed in the Lok Sabha that numerous flights have been cancelled by both Indian and international airlines due to escalating tensions in West Asia.

During the sixth day of the ongoing Parliamentary Budget Session, the minister reported that Indian airlines have cancelled over 4,335 flights, while foreign carriers have grounded approximately 1,187 flights as a result of the regional crisis.

Naidu emphasized that ensuring passenger safety is the government's and airlines' foremost concern.

He clarified that operations cannot proceed when airspace in conflict zones is closed.

He stated, “Indian carriers have cancelled 4,335 flights, and foreign carriers have cancelled up to 1,187 flights. Safety is our primary concern. If the airspace is closed, we cannot operate in that area.”

Despite the disruptions caused by the situation in West Asia, the minister noted that a significant number of passengers have still traveled during this tumultuous period.

“Approximately 219,780 passengers traveled during the heightened tensions in the region,” he mentioned.

Naidu also indicated that India’s aviation regulatory body, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, along with the aviation ministry, is in continuous communication with authorities in the affected areas to keep track of the situation.

He added that normal flight operations will only resume once the airspace in those regions is reopened, highlighting that several areas continue to face restrictions due to ongoing conflicts.

In related news, last week, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, disclosed that India currently employs over 11,000 pilots across major domestic airlines, with nearly 1,900 being women.

In a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha on March 12, Mohol confirmed that Indian airlines collectively employ 11,394 pilots, including 1,871 female pilots.