Travelers between Dubai and India are facing major disruptions as airspace restrictions over West Asia continue to impact schedules. While 360 passengers reached Bengaluru on Wednesday, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport saw 52 flight cancellations in a single day. The Indian government has started special operations to bring back those stuck abroad due to the sudden closure of routes over Iran and Israel.
What is the current status of flights in Delhi?
Delhi’s IGI Airport has been hit hard by the regional conflict, with 80 international flights cancelled on Tuesday followed by 52 on Wednesday. Out of these, 25 were departures and 27 were arrivals. Many airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet are now operating special relief flights to assist stranded passengers. Air India flight AI916D was the first to successfully bring 149 passengers from Dubai to Delhi. However, travelers are being asked to check their flight status on official apps before leaving for the airport to avoid crowding at terminals.
Important rules for refunds and ticket prices
Passengers are currently paying 3 to 4 times the normal fare to get seats on the limited special flights available. According to DGCA guidelines, if flights are cancelled due to force majeure events like war or airspace closure, airlines must provide a full refund or an alternate flight at no extra cost. However, airlines are not liable for additional compensation for these delays. A new DGCA rule starting March 26 will also allow a 48-hour free cancellation window if the flight is at least 15 days away.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cancellations (Wednesday) | 52 flights at Delhi Airport |
| Special Flights | 58 operated on March 4 |
| Ticket Prices | 3 to 4 times higher than usual |
| Key Airlines | Emirates, Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet |
Why are flights getting cancelled?
The main reason for these disruptions is the massive closure of airspace over Iran, Iraq, and parts of the UAE due to the escalating conflict in West Asia. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed airlines to avoid 11 high-risk zones for safety. This has forced long-haul flights from Delhi to the US and Europe to take much longer routes, leading to higher fuel costs and increased travel time. The government is coordinating with Dubai authorities to ensure that all Indians return home safely through carefully controlled flight corridors.
