NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said that more than 410 flights operated by domestic carriers were cancelled on Saturday and around 444 flights are expected to be cancelled on Sunday as airspace restrictions continue over Iran and parts of the Middle East. In a post on X, the ministry stated: “Due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East, 410 flights of domestic carriers were cancelled on 28 February, and 444 flights are expected to be cancelled on 1 March.”Amid widespread cancellations and airspace restrictions over parts of the Middle East, the aviation ministry said that the authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with airlines and airports to minimise passenger inconvenience.“DGCA is maintaining close coordination with airlines to ensure full compliance with safety and operational regulations. Passengers are advised to check and confirm their flight status with the respective airlines before proceeding to the airport. Major airports remain on operational alert to manage potential diversions and ensure seamless passenger facilitation. Passenger assistance, airline coordination, and terminal crowd management are being closely monitored, with senior officials deployed on the ground,” the ministry further wrote. Highlighting the measures taken to address passenger concerns amid large-scale cancellations, the ministry said that its grievance redressal mechanisms remain fully active to support affected travellers.“The Ministry’s Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) continues to closely monitor passenger concerns and facilitate prompt redressal. On 28 February, AirSewa recorded 216 grievances, and 105 grievances were resolved during the same period ensuring necessary support to affected passengers. All stakeholders are working in coordination to ensure orderly handling of affected passengers and timely assistance to all concerned travellers,” the statement added. The cancellations come amid escalating tensions in West Asia following coordinated US-Israel strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions by Tehran targeting Israel and US military bases in the region. Several countries have imposed airspace restrictions and issued NOTAMs, affecting international flight operations.Earlier, Air India announced the cancellation of 28 international flights scheduled for March 1 connecting India with cities in Europe, the United States and Canada, citing the evolving situation in the Middle East.The affected routes include services between Delhi and London (Heathrow), Mumbai and London (Heathrow), Amritsar and London (Gatwick), Delhi and New York (JFK), Mumbai and New York (JFK), Mumbai and Newark, Delhi and Chicago (via Vienna), Delhi and Toronto (via Vienna), Delhi and Frankfurt, Mumbai and Frankfurt and Delhi and Paris.The airline had earlier suspended all flights to Middle East destinations until 2359 hours on March 1, stating that safety remains its highest priority. It said that affected passengers are being informed and provided rebooking and refund options.IndiGo also issued a travel advisory saying that it is closely monitoring developments across the Middle East, including updates related to Iran and surrounding airspace and remains prepared to take necessary steps based on changing conditions.Flight disruptions were particularly visible at airports in Kerala. Several services from Kochi to Doha, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi were cancelled, while some flights were delayed or diverted. Qatar Airways temporarily suspended flights to and from Doha following the closure of Qatari airspace.The Aviation Minister conducted a high-level review meeting via video conference with senior officials from the ministry, the Airports Authority of India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), airline operators and major airport operators. Discussions focused on maintaining passenger safety, uninterrupted operations and real-time coordination.Airlines have been instructed to closely track airspace advisories and implement rerouting or diversions wherever necessary in line with international safety standards. Airports across India, especially major international hubs, have been placed on heightened alert to handle diversions, emergency landings and passenger assistance.The ministry is also coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs to address any urgent requirements involving Indian carriers or nationals abroad.Passengers have been urged to stay in contact with their airlines for updates and confirm flight status before heading to the airport as the situation in the Middle East remains volatile.
