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Essential updates on flights, evacuations and airline waivers every traveller must know
Etihad Airways has suspended all flights to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport until 14:00 UAE time on March 4, 2026
Travel to West Asia is in chaos due to the Iran-Israel war that erupted on February 27, 2026. Airlines are cancelling flights daily as the situation continues to escalate. Indian tourists are stranded, but relief is coming fast. Here’s what you need to know right now.
Flights Cancelled In West Asia
Flight cancellations are piling up on routes from India to West Asia. Indian airlines like IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet have paused or cut flights to Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait and Riyadh. Foreign airlines have also stopped services between Indian cities and Gulf hubs. At Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, 36 departures and 44 arrivals got cancelled, and there are delays on many westbound flights. Bengaluru has 44 cancellations while Kolkata saw at least 10 international flights called off. Airspace rules and security checks are forcing these changes, so always check your flight status with the airline before you go to the airport.
Relief Flights Bring Indians Back Home
Special relief flights flew on Tuesday morning and IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet brought back stranded passengers from Dubai. IndiGo has 10 special flights planned from Jeddah to India today on March 3, 2026 and they are working with India’s Consulate General in Jeddah but it depends on approvals and airspace.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has arranged two aircraft from Fujairah Airport at 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to bring 164 Maharashtra people home to Mumbai tonight and this includes 84 students from Pune’s Indira School of Business Studies plus residents from Thane, Ahmednagar and Pune. The state also started an emergency WhatsApp helpline for more stranded locals.
Qatar Airways Helps with Changes
Qatar Airways gives flexible options for bookings hit by the West Asia crisis. If you have confirmed bookings from February 28 to March 10, 2026, you can change dates for free up to 14 days from your original plan or get a full refund. Just submit refund requests on their official website and check flight status online because schedules can still change due to airspace issues.
Etihad Stops Abu Dhabi Flights
Etihad Airways has suspended all flights to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport until 14:00 UAE time on March 4, 2026, because of airspace restrictions and security worries. Passengers with flights up to March 7 can get refunds through the airline’s online form or their travel agents.
IndiGo Gives Full Waivers
IndiGo has extended full flexibility for Middle East bookings till March 7, 2026 and this covers bookings made on or before February 28. You can change your travel dates without any penalty or apply for refunds directly on their website.
Government Watches Closely
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is monitoring the Middle East airspace situation and its effect on flights. Indian carriers made schedule changes and long-haul flights are restarting on safe routes while they reposition aircraft and crew. There are special setups to help stranded passengers and airlines are adding more seats where needed and talking to foreign aviation authorities plus Indian missions abroad. Safety is the top priority so airlines must give clear info on refunds, reschedules and help and always check official airline sources for updates not rumors. Maharashtra’s fast action with flights and helpline shows states are helping too so stay calm and follow the rules for safe travel.
For live updates, read this: Flight Cancellations LIVE Updates: Over 12,000 Flights Cancelled Amid Escalation In West Asia
March 03, 2026, 19:33 IST