- Flight Disruptions
- India–US/Europe flights rerouted; widespread cancellations amid Middle East airspace closures
India–US/Europe flights rerouted; widespread cancellations amid Middle East airspace closures
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on 24 March 2026
350
Affected flights
14
Affected airports
1
Affected airlines
Disruption overview
Airspace closures across parts of the Middle East triggered significant disruption for India–Europe and India–US routes. Around 350 domestic flights were canceled on March 1, and Air India suspended 50 international services the same day. Remaining long-haul flights are using longer routings, with India–New York and Newark services adding a technical stop in Rome. Mumbai and Ahmedabad temporarily declined diversion traffic due to stand shortages.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to €600 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
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Disruption details
What Happened
Airspace closures across several Middle East Flight Information Regions disrupted India’s westbound traffic to Europe and North America. Airlines adopted longer, alternative routings rather than halting all long-haul operations, but the impact on schedules and airport operations in India was substantial.
Approximately 350 domestic flights were canceled on March 1, 2026, amid growing tensions and routing constraints.
Air India suspended 50 international services on Sunday and halted routes to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Qatar until 23:59 IST that night.
Several Europe-bound services on March 2 were abandoned, including the return legs of AI117 (Amritsar–Birmingham), AI151/AI152 (Delhi–Zurich), AI157/AI158 (Delhi–Copenhagen), and AI114 (Birmingham–Delhi).
Rerouting and Technical Stops
Flights to Europe and North America are operating via longer routings using available Middle East airspace. India–New York (JFK) and Newark services are making technical stops at Rome Fiumicino to refuel and accommodate extended flight paths, adding flying time for passengers.
Airspace Restrictions and Timeline
Closures were reported across key FIRs including Tehran, Kuwait, Israel, Baghdad, and Doha. Baghdad FIR closed on February 28 at 13:10 IST, cutting a key northern corridor for India–Europe flights, and remained closed at least until March 2 at 14:30 IST. Doha FIR closed from the evening of February 28 and stayed closed until at least March 1 at 23:30 IST. Industry estimates put the weekly financial impact on Indian and international airlines operating to and from India at roughly ₹875 crore while restrictions persist.
Airport Constraints in India
Parking stand shortages and diversion management added strain at major airports. Mumbai issued a NOTAM declining diversion traffic until 08:00 on Monday and later extended that notice. Ahmedabad and Mumbai both temporarily declined diversions due to limited stands.
Delhi: at least 23 cancellations and five diversions; 13 aircraft on ground (AOG).
Mumbai: 160 cancellations; four AOG; 142 parking bays in total available but no contact or remote stands during the disruption.
Bengaluru: 71 cancellations.
Hyderabad: 18 cancellations; approximately 550 bags stacked due to rerouting.
Chennai: 27 cancellations; Kolkata: 10 cancellations.
Airline Operations Update
Air India stated that all North America flights would resume as scheduled from Monday, March 2. However, it suspended 50 international services on Sunday and halted routes to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Qatar until 23:59 IST that night. Some Europe-bound services planned for March 2 were canceled as listed above.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Other
Status
Past disruption
Compensation
May qualify for compensation
Flights affected
350
Airlines affected
Air India
Airports affected
Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport, Navi Mumbai International Airport, Bengaluru International Airport, Hyderabad, Meenambakkam, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport, Raja Sansi Airport, Ahmedabad Airport, Birmingham International Airport, Zurich Airport, Copenhagen Kastrup Airport, New York LaGuardia Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport
Cities affected
Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Birmingham, Zurich, Copenhagen, New York, Newark, Rome, New Delhi, Navi Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad (PK)
Countries affected
India, Pakistan, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Denmark, United States, Italy
Start date
2026-02-28
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
24 March 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
