India’s skies are facing major disruption as fallout from Iran’s missile strikes on US military bases in Qatar and Iraq ripples through global aviation, with New Delhi’s international flight operations among the most significantly affected. The geopolitical flare-up—following Tehran’s launch of six ballistic missiles targeting the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and the Ain al-Assad airbase in Iraq—has led to extensive airspace closures across parts of the Middle East.
In response, Indian carriers including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have issued urgent travel advisories and altered operations affecting thousands of passengers. Air India, the country’s flag carrier, has suspended all operations to the Middle East and between India and key destinations on the East Coast of North America and Europe “with immediate effect.” Flights en route from the US and Canada have either returned to origin or been redirected, while outbound services have been called back to India or rerouted to avoid closed air corridors.
In a statement, Air India emphasised that these decisions stemmed from “unavoidable circumstances beyond airline control” and prioritised the safety of passengers and crew. “We are in constant consultation with external security advisors,” the airline said, as it continues to monitor developments in the Gulf. Low-cost carrier SpiceJet also flagged operational disruptions, stating that flight departures and arrivals from Dubai and other affected Middle Eastern airports might be delayed or cancelled. The airline has urged passengers to check real-time updates on its website or contact helpline services for assistance.
Meanwhile, Akasa Air, India’s youngest airline, has also warned of potential disruptions to its operations to and from the region. “We understand this may affect your travel plans and sincerely regret the inconvenience,” a company spokesperson said. IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, initially suspended all flights to multiple Gulf destinations including Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Jeddah, Riyadh, and others. However, as regional airports began to reopen on Tuesday afternoon, the airline stated it would resume services “prudently and progressively,” while ensuring that routes remained within safe airspace. “We continue to monitor the situation closely and are fully considering the safest available flight paths to ensure secure and seamless travel,” IndiGo said, urging customers to use its app or website for real-time information.
The aviation chaos began shortly after Iran retaliated for American strikes on its nuclear facilities by launching missile attacks on Monday. While Qatar confirmed intercepting the missiles targeting Al Udeid and reported no casualties, the incident raised red flags across international air corridors. Security officials in Iraq confirmed similar attacks on the Ain al-Assad base, but the extent of damage remains unclear. The dual strikes have further strained regional relations, disrupted commercial aviation, and revived fears of prolonged geopolitical instability in West Asia.
Qatar, which hosts one of the largest US military facilities in the region, issued a statement condemning the attack but also reassured that its airspace was now secure. Nevertheless, airlines remain cautious, especially with neighbouring airspaces still considered high-risk or under active surveillance. Indian authorities are working closely with aviation security regulators and diplomatic channels to assess the risk and coordinate air traffic diversions. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is reportedly in constant touch with air traffic controllers and carrier management teams to support safe route reallocation and passenger welfare.
Industry insiders warn that if the conflict intensifies, India’s westbound aviation corridor may remain volatile for days or even weeks, resulting in longer flight times, higher fuel costs, and temporary halts on direct services to certain destinations. Delhi, a key transit hub for flights connecting South Asia to Europe and North America, is particularly affected. Airlines fear further escalation could drive up operating costs and force sustained rerouting via alternative corridors such as Central Asia or the Red Sea.
From a passenger standpoint, those travelling from or through Delhi to the Gulf or North America this week may face cancellations, reschedules, or rebookings. Travel experts suggest monitoring airline communications closely, checking for refund or rescheduling options, and avoiding non-essential travel through the Middle East until further notice. For the Indian aviation sector still recovering from pandemic-related disruptions and global jet fuel volatility, this new wave of geopolitical tension presents fresh challenges. It has reignited conversations around air route diversification and the need for contingency planning in global flight operations—a reminder of how deeply politics and skies remain intertwined.
While no Indian carriers reported direct threats or damage, the unfolding events serve as a stark signal of how quickly regional conflicts can impact global air mobility and how vital proactive communication, cross-border coordination, and security surveillance have become in aviation.
The next few days will determine whether the Middle East airspace stabilises or if this incident marks the beginning of a more sustained disruption period. For now, caution is the prevailing mood across India’s skies—and patience the best travel companion for affected passengers.
