Flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport have faced major disruptions due to the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. On Sunday alone, around 100 flights were cancelled at the airport, including 60 departures and 40 arrivals. Many passengers reported being stranded for over 14 hours as airlines struggled to manage the sudden closure of Middle Eastern airspace. This situation has impacted thousands of travelers, especially those heading to the Gulf countries and Europe.
Major Airlines Impacted and Flight Cancellations
Several major Indian carriers have suspended or changed their flight paths to ensure safety. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a high-risk alert, advising airlines to avoid 11 specific flight regions in West Asia. This has led to longer travel times for flights heading to the US and Europe, as they now take a longer route over the Arabian Sea.
| Airline | Impact and Status |
|---|---|
| Air India | Suspended flights to UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Qatar until March 2 night. |
| IndiGo | Cancelled over 160 flights nationwide scheduled for March 2. |
| Akasa Air | Services to Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah, and Riyadh suspended until March 2. |
| SpiceJet | All UAE-bound flights cancelled for March 1 and March 2. |
Refund Policies and Guidelines for Stranded Passengers
To help affected travelers, airlines have introduced special waiver schemes and refund options. Passengers are advised to check their flight status through official airline websites or apps before heading to the airport. The following rules are currently in place for rescheduling and refunds:
- IndiGo: Offering full flexibility and fee waivers for bookings made on or before February 28, valid until March 7.
- Air India: Passengers can reschedule their flights within a 7-day window without paying extra charges.
- Akasa Air: Providing full refunds or free rescheduling for all flights affected up to March 7.
- Helplines: Indian embassies in Dubai and Doha have started 24/7 helplines to assist stranded Indian nationals.
The disruption has significantly affected those traveling for Ramadan worship to Mecca and Medina. Additionally, some travelers have faced issues with transit visas due to flights being diverted to new international hubs at the last minute. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the situation as airspace remains restricted in several Gulf states.
