Middle East tensions disrupt 19,000 flights; over 300 cancelled in India

More than 3,400 flights were cancelled on Sunday across seven airports in the Middle East after several Gulf states closed their airspace amid the ongoing US–Iran conflict, disrupting global air traffic.
According to FlightAware, over 19,000 flights were delayed worldwide as airlines grappled with airspace restrictions and diversions. Data from Flightradar24 showed that more than 3,400 flights were cancelled on Sunday across key airports in the region. Airlines were forced to reroute long-haul services, resulting in longer flying times, congestion and inconvenience to passengers.
In India, airlines cancelled 350 international flights on Sunday as disruptions continued for the second day.
“In view of airspace restrictions arising from geopolitical developments in the Middle East, a total of 350 flights operated by Indian domestic carriers have been cancelled on 01.03.2026,” the civil aviation ministry said in a post on X at 1634 hours. Earlier during the day, the ministry said 444 international flights were expected to be cancelled on Sunday. On February 28, 410 flights of domestic carriers were cancelled.
With key air corridors affected, Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet also cancelled flights operating through the impacted airspace as authorities continued to monitor the situation.
Both Air India and IndiGo are offering full flexibility and waivers for travel to and from the Middle East, wherein passengers can reschedule their flights at no additional cost or ask for a full refund of payment.