Flights between India, the Gulf, and Europe have resumed after a brief but major disruption due to the temporary closure of UAE and Qatari airspace. The reopening of key hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi has stabilised air operations across West Asia, allowing airlines to reinstate delayed or cancelled routes that affected thousands of passengers late Monday night.
Airlines operating in the crucial India-Gulf corridor faced large-scale delays as aircraft en route to Dubai, Doha, and other hubs were diverted, returned, or held due to airspace closures. The disruption was attributed to regional tensions involving Iran and Israel, with West Asia’s key aviation routes being temporarily deemed unsafe. This caused hundreds of flights to be halted or rerouted overnight.
Air India and its low-cost subsidiary began resuming operations on Tuesday, prioritising routes to Muscat, Riyadh, and Jeddah, with more Gulf flights planned by Wednesday. IndiGo confirmed its schedules have stabilised, though some longer flight times remain due to restricted Iranian airspace. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways announced full resumption and a focus on helping passengers complete disrupted journeys with minimal further inconvenience.
While operations are back online, airlines continue to advise passengers to check their flight status and allow for extended travel durations. Carriers have assured that flights will avoid airspaces considered risky and are coordinating with regional authorities for real-time route approvals. Industry experts highlight this event as a reminder of how geopolitical volatility in the Gulf can disrupt global aviation networks.
Although immediate chaos has subsided with airspaces reopening, the aviation industry remains on alert due to ongoing regional tensions. Experts stress the need for dynamic risk assessments and collaborative crisis management among airlines. As West Asia remains a strategic aviation corridor for India and global traffic, ensuring long-term stability will depend on both diplomatic developments and operational resilience.
Air traffic disruptions caused by Gulf airspace closures have been brought under control, with most major routes now restored. Airlines continue to monitor regional developments closely to avoid repeat disturbances. Travellers are urged to remain updated through airline advisories. The episode highlights the critical role of West Asia in India’s global connectivity and the fragility of flight networks amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
