Passengers across India faced major inconvenience following widespread flight disruptions and cancellations triggered by the US-Israel attack on Iran.
In Maharashtra, travellers reported long waiting hours and cancelled flights. Speaking to IANS, one passenger said, "Our flight was scheduled around 8:30, but it was cancelled. We are now waiting for the next available flight and will leave once it departs."
Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport saw nearly 98 flights cancelled as airlines suspended services over safety concerns.
Chandigarh airport authorities also confirmed disruptions. While only one Dubai-bound departure was cancelled on Saturday, both arrivals and departures to Dubai were affected on Sunday.
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport witnessed significant impact, with 17 arrival and 17 departure flights cancelled, leaving many passengers stranded.
The disruptions stem from broader regional instability after the joint US-Israel strike on Iran and subsequent retaliatory attacks by Tehran on Israeli and US military bases across Gulf nations. Several countries in the region temporarily closed their airspace, halting civilian air traffic.
The ripple effects were felt in Nepal as well. More than a dozen flights between Nepal and Gulf cities were cancelled. The Tribhuvan International Airport Authority under the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal reported that 14 departures from Kathmandu to West Asian destinations, along with corresponding arrivals, were cancelled.
Affected airlines included Nepal Airlines, Himalaya Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Fly Dubai, and Kuwait Airways. Himalaya Airlines cancelled six flights — the highest among carriers.
The cancellations led to overcrowding at terminals as passengers awaited updates. Authorities advised travellers to check flight schedules before heading to airports.
Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said 444 flights are expected to be cancelled on March 1 due to continued airspace closures. On February 28, 410 flights operated by domestic carriers were cancelled.
In a post on X, the DGCA said major airports remain on operational alert to manage diversions and ensure smooth passenger facilitation. Senior officials have been deployed on the ground to oversee passenger assistance, airline coordination, and crowd management.
The Ministry's Passenger Assistance Control Room continues to monitor grievances. On February 28, AirSewa recorded 216 complaints, of which 105 were resolved the same day.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed airlines operating international services to closely monitor airspace advisories, NOTAMs, and route restrictions. Airlines have been instructed to reroute or divert flights in line with global safety protocols and contingency procedures.
"The safety of passengers and crew remains paramount. The situation is under constant watch," the Ministry said.
The Airports Authority of India and private airport operators have been asked to coordinate closely with airlines on ground handling, parking bays, passenger amenities, crew logistics, and immigration support to ensure orderly management of affected travellers.
(With inputs from IANS)
