Following coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iran and the ensuing retaliatory moves, which led to airspace closures and safety-related suspensions throughout the area, a number of airlines have stopped or canceled flights to and from the Middle East.
On Sunday, Air India sent out a notice informing travelers that it is providing complete booking flexibility for travelers heading to and from the Middle East. The continuous disruption of aviation service has affected many passengers.
In a similar vein, earlier in the day, IndiGo notified travelers that it had temporarily halted a few international flights that cross through Middle Eastern airspace. The airline has announced an extension of the suspension until March 2, 2026.
Who is qualified for rebookings and refunds?
According to Air India, passengers who purchased their tickets for travel originally scheduled for March 5, 2026, on or before February 28, 2026, will be able to reschedule their flight at no extra cost. They may also choose to ask for a complete reimbursement in the original payment method.
“We continue to keep a careful eye on the situation and put our customers’ and crew’s safety first. “We urge you to verify your flight status and evaluate your travel plans,” the airline added, directing customers to visit its official website for additional details.
Additionally, Indigo has informed that travelers can choose to reschedule their flights at no extra cost or receive a complete refund. For reservations made on or before February 28, 2026, and travel scheduled until March 7, 2026, the waiver is applicable to travelers flying to and from the Middle East as well as other affected overseas sectors.
“Updates will be communicated immediately through the contact details provided when booking and web check-in in the event that your booking or a flight operating over this area is affected,” the airline stated in a separate X post.
Cancellations of flights
Due to airspace restrictions over Iran and portions of the Middle East, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said on Sunday that 444 domestic carrier flights are anticipated to be canceled on March 1.
Additional flights between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been canceled as a result of the country’s airspace shutdown, according to a Sunday notice from SpiceJet.
In an X post, the airline stated that travelers should verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport.
Following strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel, a number of nations have blocked their airspace, including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Syria, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
