Airspace shutdown triggers travel turmoil: India steps in with special flights

New Delhi: Indian airlines are gearing up to operate special relief flights from the Middle East on Tuesday to bring back passengers stranded due to escalating tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran.

According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, domestic carriers have scheduled emergency services to restore connectivity after widespread airspace closures disrupted international flight operations.

IndiGo, SpiceJet announce special flights

IndiGo will operate 10 special relief flights from Jeddah to India on 3 March to facilitate the return of stranded passengers. The flights are subject to regulatory approvals and prevailing airspace conditions.

SpiceJet announced four special flights from the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday following the sudden closure of the regional airspace. The airline will operate services from Fujairah to Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi, including two additional flights to Mumbai to expedite passenger evacuation.

SpiceJet also confirmed that it will resume its scheduled services between Fujairah and Delhi, and Fujairah and Mumbai, from 4 March, helping to normalise UAE–India connectivity.

Hundreds of flights cancelled

Approximately 357 flights were cancelled on Monday amid the Middle East aviation crisis. However, operations began gradually resuming by evening, with stranded Indian aircraft returning home as alternative flight routes were activated.

The Civil Aviation Ministry said Indian carriers have made calibrated adjustments to their schedules. Long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights are progressively resuming via alternative routings that avoid restricted or high-risk airspace. Aircraft and crew repositioning measures are underway to restore operational stability at the earliest.

Government coordination and passenger advisory

The government remains in continuous coordination with airlines, airport operators, aviation regulators and the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure safe operations and orderly restoration of services.

Special arrangements are being made to assist stranded passengers, with airlines deploying additional capacity where required. Indian carriers are also coordinating closely with foreign aviation authorities and Indian diplomatic missions abroad to facilitate safe and organised passenger movement.

Also Read| Middle East airspace chaos: Etihad, Emirates flights diverted as Gulf tensions escalate

Foreign airlines operating between India and Gulf destinations are conducting limited services, depending on operational feasibility and airspace conditions.

Officials reiterated that passenger safety remains paramount and advised travellers to check flight status updates directly with their airlines before heading to airports.

The relief operations come against the backdrop of intensifying US-Israel-Iran hostilities, which have significantly impacted Middle East airspace and disrupted global aviation routes.

IANS