New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said over 410 flights operated by domestic carriers were canceled on Saturday and around 444 flights are expected to be canceled on Sunday as airspace restrictions continue over Iran and parts of the Middle East. In a post on X, the ministry said: “Due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East, 410 flights of domestic carriers were canceled on February 28, and 444 flights are expected to be canceled on March 1.”Amid widespread cancellations and airspace restrictions in parts of the Middle East, the aviation ministry said officials are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with airlines and airports to minimize inconvenience to passengers.
The ministry further wrote, “DGCA is maintaining close coordination with airlines to ensure complete compliance with safety and operational norms. Passengers are advised to check and confirm their flight status with the respective airlines before proceeding to the airport. Major airports remain on operational alert to manage possible diversions and ensure uninterrupted passenger convenience. Passenger assistance, airline coordination and terminal crowd management are being closely monitored, as well as senior officials. Has been deployed on the ground.”Highlighting the measures taken to address the concerns of passengers amid the massive ticket cancellations, the ministry said its grievance redressal mechanism is fully operational to assist the affected passengers.“The Ministry’s Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) closely monitors passenger concerns and facilitates prompt redressal. On February 28, AirSewa registered 216 complaints, and 105 complaints were resolved during the same period, ensuring necessary assistance to the affected passengers. The statement said all stakeholders are working in coordination to ensure orderly handling of affected passengers and timely assistance to all concerned passengers. The cancellation comes amid rising tensions in West Asia following coordinated US-Israel attacks on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation by targeting Israeli and US military bases in the region. Many countries have imposed airspace restrictions and issued NOTAMs, affecting international flight operations.Earlier, Air India had announced the cancellation of 28 international flights scheduled for March 1 connecting India with cities in Europe, the United States and Canada, citing the emerging situation in the Middle East.The affected routes include services between Delhi and London (Heathrow), Mumbai and London (Heathrow), Amritsar and London (Gatwick), Delhi and New York (JFK), Mumbai and New York (JFK), Mumbai and Newark, Delhi and Chicago (via Vienna), Delhi and Toronto (via Vienna), Delhi and Frankfurt, Mumbai and Frankfurt and Delhi and Paris.The airline had earlier suspended all flights to Middle East destinations until 2359 hours on March 1, saying safety was its top priority. It said affected passengers are being informed and provided with rebooking and refund options.IndiGo also issued a travel advisory stating that it is closely monitoring developments across the Middle East, including updates related to Iran and surrounding airspace, and is prepared to take necessary action based on changing circumstances.Flight disruptions were particularly visible at airports in Kerala. Several services from Kochi to Doha, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi were canceled while some flights were delayed or diverted. Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended flights to and from Doha following the closure of Qatar airspace.The Aviation Minister held a high-level review meeting through video conference with senior officials of the Ministry, Airports Authority of India, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), airline operators and major airport operators. The discussion focused on passenger safety, seamless operations and maintaining real-time coordination.Airlines have been instructed to closely monitor airspace advisories and implement rerouting or diversion wherever necessary in line with international safety standards. Airports across India, especially major international hubs, have been put on high alert to deal with diversions, emergency landings and passenger assistance.The Ministry is also coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs to meet any urgent requirements related to Indian carriers or citizens abroad.Travelers are urged to stay in touch with their airlines for updates and confirm flight status before heading to the airport as the situation in the Middle East remains volatile.
