In response to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Air India has announced the suspension of its flight operations to Europe and key cities in North America. This decision comes after Iran launched a missile strike on a US military base in Qatar, prompting airspace closures in several countries, including Qatar.
Air India confirmed that all operations to and from Europe, the East Coast of North America, and the Middle East have been halted with immediate effect and will remain suspended until further notice. The affected North American destinations include New York, Newark, Chicago, Washington, and Toronto.
“India-bound flights from North America are returning to their respective origin points or being rerouted around restricted airspace,” the airline stated. Air India emphasized that it is coordinating closely with external security advisers and is continuously monitoring the rapidly changing situation. “We request the understanding of all passengers who may be impacted by this disruption, which is beyond our control,” the airline added.
The disruption has also impacted Air India Express, the carrier’s low-cost arm. Two flights bound for Doha had to be diverted due to Qatar’s airspace closure — one redirected to Muscat from Kochi and another returned to Kannur. The airline currently operates 25 weekly flights to Doha from several Indian cities including Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, and Tiruchchirappalli.
IndiGo, another major Indian carrier, announced that its operations to and from Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Tbilisi have been affected. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), IndiGo assured passengers it is monitoring developments and making operational adjustments to prioritize safety.
SpiceJet has also warned of possible disruptions to its flights due to the Dubai airspace closure, stating that all departures, arrivals, and related services may experience delays or changes.
The unfolding security crisis has created significant challenges for Indian carriers, particularly those with long-haul routes that typically pass through Middle Eastern airspace. With air routes disrupted and uncertainty prevailing, airlines are urging passengers to stay updated through official channels.
Passengers are advised to check with their airlines before travel and remain prepared for possible delays or cancellations in the coming days.
