87 International Flights Cancelled at Delhi Airport Amid Middle East Airspace Crisis
A total of 87 international flights were cancelled at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Monday, March 2, 2026, following escalating airspace restrictions in parts of the Middle East that disrupted major international flight corridors. The official airport communication regarding the disruptions was issued on March 2, 2026, as airlines began adjusting schedules in response to security concerns.
The cancellations occurred after several Middle Eastern countries imposed partial or full airspace closures amid ongoing regional tensions. These restrictions directly affected long-haul routes connecting South Asia with Europe and North America, many of which typically transit through Gulf airspace. As a result, airlines operating through New Delhi were forced to suspend services or reroute flights to avoid potentially unsafe zones.
According to Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which operates Indira Gandhi International Airport, 37 outbound and 50 inbound international flights were cancelled on March 2. In an official statement posted on its verified communication channels, DIAL said that “ongoing political developments in the Middle East have led to delays and cancellations of certain westbound international flights,” emphasizing that passenger safety remains the highest operational priority.
A spokesperson for DIAL stated that the decision to cancel flights was taken after coordination with airlines and aviation authorities to assess the safety of flight paths crossing affected airspace. The airport operator noted that operational adjustments were made in line with international aviation safety protocols.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the country’s aviation regulator, had earlier advised carriers to closely monitor developments in the Middle East and take precautionary measures where necessary. The advisory followed escalating tensions in the region in late February 2026, which led to temporary airspace restrictions in multiple Gulf states.
Major Indian carriers including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet issued passenger advisories and offered rebooking flexibility and refunds for affected travelers. IndiGo confirmed that it had extended waiver policies for change and cancellation fees for passengers scheduled to travel on impacted routes during the disruption period.
The impact was not limited to New Delhi. Other Indian airports also reported delays and service suspensions as airlines reviewed routing options. Aviation analysts noted that Middle Eastern air corridors are critical transit hubs linking Asia to Europe and North America, and even short-term closures can cause significant ripple effects across global flight networks.
The situation underscores how geopolitical instability in one region can rapidly affect international transportation systems worldwide. Airlines and regulators continue to monitor developments, with further operational adjustments expected if airspace restrictions persist.