350 Indian flights cancelled on March 1 amid airspace restrictions in Middle East

A total of 350 flights operated by Indian airlines were cancelled on Sunday, March 1, as per information released by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, compared to the earlier anticipated 444 flight cancellations.

"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 March 1," MoCA said in a statement.

The ministry reported 410 flight cancellations of domestic carriers on February 28. It advised the passengers to check their flight status with the concerned airlines and remain in close coordination with them for any required assistance.


Also read: Air India cancels additional flights to Heathrow, Amsterdam & other destinations amid rising tension in Middle East

MoCA asserted that it is in close coordination with airlines, airport operators and other stakeholders to proactively monitor the situation and facilitate necessary passenger support.

Major Indian airports remain on operational alert to manage potential diversions and ensure seamless passenger facilitation, it said, adding that passenger assistance, airline coordination, and terminal crowd management are being closely monitored, with senior officials deployed on the ground.

Tata Group-owned Air India cancelled 22 more international services for Sunday, taking the total number of overseas flight cancellations announced so far to 50 due to the Middle East crisis.

It said close monitoring and careful assessment of the evolving situation in the Middle East have necessitated further curtailment of its scheduled operations.

India's largest airline extended the temporary suspension of select international flights that use Middle East airspace until March 2.

Also read: Delhi, Mumbai airport witness over 200+ international flight cancellations amid Middle East conflict

Airlines offer full flexibility and fare waivers

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.

"Customers whose bookings are impacted may opt for alternate flight options or claim a full refund," IndiGo said in a statement.

"In our continued effort to stand by you during this time, we are extending full flexibility and waivers for travel to and from the Middle East, along with other impacted international sectors, until March 7, 2026, for bookings made on or before February 28, 2026. Customers may opt for a full refund or reschedule at no additional cost," it said.

As part of our commitment to your safety and convenience, Air India is extending full flexibility if your travel to/from the Middle East is impacted due to the ongoing situation, the airline said.

"For bookings made on or before February 28, 2026, with travel originally planned up to March 5, 2026, passengers can reschedule your flight at no additional charge, or request a full refund to your original form of payment," it said.

SpiceJet also cancelled 33 flights from India and UAE for March 2, 2026. Global airlines, including Lufthansa and Emirates, announced major flight disruptions across territories.

As per PTI sources, the Delhi International Airport witnessed 100 flight cancellations, while the Mumbai Airport recorded 125 flight cancellations in view of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.