Flight Disruptions in West Asia Amid Ongoing US-Israel-Iran Tensions
Overview of Flight Services Disruption
On March 7, flight operations throughout West Asia faced significant interruptions due to the escalating conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. Major aviation centers, including Dubai, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, have experienced extensive cancellations since February 28. The Ministry of Civil Aviation in India reported that Indian airlines have initiated limited flights to assist in evacuating stranded travelers. On March 6, a total of 51 flights were scheduled, while 40 inbound flights on March 5 successfully brought back 7,205 passengers to India. According to consolidated data, over 52,000 passengers returned to India from the Middle East between February 28 and March 6, 2026. In total, 280 flights transported 52,360 passengers during this timeframe, with Indian airlines operating 184 flights that carried 32,062 passengers, while foreign airlines accounted for 85 flights with 19,754 passengers. Additionally, 11 charter flights facilitated the return of 544 passengers.
Limited Flight Operations by Airlines
Airlines Operating Limited Flights
Domestic carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet have resumed limited services to key airports, including Dubai International, Abu Dhabi International, Fujairah International, and King Abdulaziz International in Jeddah. Air India's flights to Europe and North America continue to operate normally via safe alternative routes.
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IndiGo announced it would operate flights on March 7 from Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad to destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, and Sharjah. The airline has also extended free cancellation waivers until March 31 for travel to and from the Middle East.
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Furthermore, Air India and Air India Express plan to operate 43 flights across West Asia on March 7, connecting cities like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Jeddah, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah with major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Kochi.
Gulf Airlines Adjust Operations
Gulf Carriers Suspend Operations
Prominent Gulf airlines, including Emirates and Qatar Airways, initially halted regular commercial flights due to restricted regional airspace. However, Emirates later announced a resumption of operations, advising passengers with confirmed bookings for Saturday afternoon flights to proceed to the airport, including those transiting through Dubai if their connecting flights are operational.
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Qatar Airways also indicated it would conduct limited repatriation flights from Hamad International Airport to major European cities, including London, Paris, Madrid, Rome, and Frankfurt.
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Authorities have stated that scheduled commercial flights will only resume once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority officially reopens the country's airspace. The aviation ministry has advised travelers to stay updated with their airlines as the situation in the region continues to develop.