Air India, IndiGo Suspend Middle East Flights Amid Escalating US–Iran Conflict
New Delhi, Feb. 28, 2026: India’s leading airlines, Air India and IndiGo, have suspended all flights to and from the Middle East following escalating military tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which have led to widespread airspace closures and major disruptions to global aviation.
Both airlines announced the suspension on Saturday, citing evolving airspace restrictions and safety concerns across the region. IndiGo said all Middle East flights would remain cancelled until 0000 hours due to the rapidly changing security situation.
The decision came shortly after an Air India flight en route to Tel Aviv was forced to return mid-journey after regional airspace was abruptly closed.
Escalating conflict disrupts aviation
The flight suspensions follow coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on multiple targets in Iran, including key government and military facilities in Tehran. Iranian forces have reportedly responded with retaliatory missile strikes targeting Israeli territory and US military bases across the Gulf region.
The intensifying conflict has prompted several countries to shut down or restrict their airspace, significantly affecting commercial aviation routes across the Middle East and beyond.
Delhi Airport authorities issued an advisory warning passengers that international flights, particularly those travelling westward, may face delays, cancellations, or route diversions due to airspace restrictions.
Global airlines halt regional operations
Airlines worldwide have also suspended or adjusted operations in response to the crisis. Several international carriers have halted flights to Israel, Iran, and neighbouring countries as a precautionary measure.
Germany’s Lufthansa suspended services to Tel Aviv, Beirut and Amman until March 7, while Oman Air paused flights to Baghdad. Flydubai reported disruptions due to the closure of Iraqi, Iranian and Israeli airspace.
Russian airlines and Air France also announced cancellations of flights to affected destinations, while Iraq’s Erbil Airport suspended all air traffic. Qatar temporarily halted all air operations as a precaution.
Passenger safety remains priority
Airlines said the suspensions were necessary to ensure passenger and crew safety amid the volatile security environment. Authorities and aviation officials continue to monitor the situation closely, with further disruptions possible if tensions escalate.
The developments have caused widespread travel uncertainty, particularly for passengers flying between Asia, Europe and the Middle East, as airlines adjust routes and schedules to avoid conflict zones.
