Indian Airlines Suspend Key International Flights Amid Middle East Crisis
Major Indian airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, have suspended flights to the Middle East, parts of Europe, and North America due to escalating regional tensions and airspace closures. This precautionary measure impacts thousands of passengers and creates significant financial and operational disruptions for the carriers, who are rerouting or holding flights until the situation stabilizes.
Unpacked:
The suspension was triggered by escalating regional tensions, especially after Iranian missile strikes on bases in Iraq and Qatar, which led to airspace closures over the Middle East and safety concerns over certain flight routes.
Most of the suspensions and frequency reductions are planned to continue until at least July 15, 2025, with airlines reviewing the situation regularly to restore full schedules once safety and airspace access are assured.
Besides regional tensions, factors include enhanced safety inspections following a deadly Air India crash, night curfews at some European and East Asian airports, and the need to accommodate longer flight times due to airspace closures.
Airlines are proactively contacting affected passengers, offering re-accommodation on alternative flights, complimentary rescheduling, or full refunds, aiming to minimize last-minute inconvenience while prioritizing passenger safety.