NEW DELHI: Flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport have been heavily disrupted since last night, with 48 cancellations reported, 28 arrivals and 20 departures, according to airport sources quoted by ANI news agency.National carrier Air India and low-cost airline IndiGo were the most affected. Air India cancelled 17 arriving and 10 departing flights, while IndiGo saw 8 arrival and 7 departure cancellations. Other domestic and international airlines also faced disruptions, with 3 arrivals and 3 departures cancelled.The impact was not limited to Delhi. Airports across India, including Ahmedabad (SVPIA), Thiruvananthapuram, and Mangaluru, reported delays and cancellations due to airspace restrictions over Qatar and parts of the Gulf region.
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Cochin International Airport in Kerala issued a statement confirming multiple flight disruptions due to operational reasons. Affected services included flights between Cochin and Doha (A1953), Dubai (SG018), Abu Dhabi (6E1403), Riyadh (6E1493), Muscat (6E1271 and 6E1272), Bahrain (6E1206/055), and return flights from these locations, such as SG017 (Dubai to Cochin) and 6E1404 (Abu Dhabi to Cochin).
Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow also issued a travel advisory, asking passengers to confirm flight schedules with airlines before heading to the airport.The ongoing tensions in the Middle East also led to significant airspace restrictions, affecting major international carriers. The situation has created a humanitarian challenge at various airports worldwide, with passengers facing unprecedented difficulties. The situation was also challenging for international travellers with limited-validity visas, who found themselves confined to the airport premises. “We were left stranded for hours at Schiphol Airport with no clarity, no support, and absolutely no regard for the hundreds of passengers affected. First, we were told that boarding was delayed due to intense checks. Minutes later, we saw our luggage being offloaded—and only then were we told the flight was cancelled. There were no hotel arrangements or allowances offered. Those without a valid visa couldn’t even exit the airport. When we asked for help, we were told to just collect our bags and figure it out ourselves. The attitude was shockingly dismissive and indifferent,” a passenger said.These disruptions come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Iran recently launched a missile strike targeting US military bases in Qatar and Iraq, including Al Udeid Air Base — the largest American military installation in the region. The attack was in retaliation for US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow on Sunday.Airport authorities across affected cities have advised passengers to stay updated and cooperate with airline staff as flight schedules may continue to change based on developments in the Gulf region.
