ANI | Updated: March 3, 2026
New Delhi/Mumbai, March 3 (ANI): Amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East following military strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iran, thousands of passengers remain caught in a major aviation disruption across the Gulf region, even as flight operations begin to gradually resume.
As of March 3, nearly 8,000 passengers are stranded in Qatar alone, according to the country’s Foreign Ministry, as reported by Al Jazeera. The large-scale disruption follows retaliatory strikes by Iran after joint US-Israeli military action reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with other senior figures.
Airspace Closures and Regional Impact
Major aviation hubs, including Hamad International Airport and Dubai International Airport, have been operating under severe restrictions. Airspace closures over Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia triggered widespread cancellations and delays, affecting tens of thousands of travellers across the region.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed that attempts to target Hamad International Airport had failed and asserted that the country possesses sufficient interceptor missile capabilities to address ongoing threats. There is reportedly no direct communication currently underway with Iran, which has launched counter-strikes targeting American military bases and Israeli assets in the region.
In the UAE, authorities at Abu Dhabi airport advised passengers not to travel unless holding confirmed tickets and receiving explicit airline communication. Access to airport terminals has been restricted to confirmed travellers only.
Airline Advisories and Cancellations
Etihad Airways issued a public advisory urging passengers not to proceed to the airport unless directly contacted and provided with confirmed travel documentation. The airline emphasised that safety remains its top priority.
Oman Air announced cancellations of several flights to and from Amman, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Copenhagen, Baghdad and Khasab due to regional airspace closures, though other flights continue to operate with possible delays.
Meanwhile, all scheduled flights of Emirates to and from Dubai remain suspended until 23:59 hrs UAE time on March 4, owing to continued airspace restrictions.
Dubai Airports confirmed that limited operations resumed on the evening of March 2, with a small number of flights operating from Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.
Indian Government Launches Emergency Repatriation
In response, the Indian government, in coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Indian diplomatic missions, has launched an emergency repatriation effort to bring stranded citizens home. Indian embassies across the Gulf have activated 24×7 helplines and suspended routine walk-in consular services to prioritise evacuation assistance.
IndiGo has initiated special repatriation flights and announced a phased restoration of services as airspace conditions permit. The airline stated that select routes — including Athens, Muscat, Jeddah and Madinah — are being progressively reinstated, with additional repatriation flights from the UAE subject to slot and permit approvals.
Repatriation flights from Dubai, Fujairah and Jeddah are expected to arrive in Mumbai, offering relief to stranded passengers.
SpiceJet has also announced four special flights from the UAE, operating from Fujairah to Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi, including two services to Mumbai. Scheduled flights between Fujairah and Delhi and between Fujairah and Mumbai will resume from March 4.
SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh stated that the airline stands ready to operate additional services as required to assist Indian nationals seeking to return home.
Flights Resume to Mumbai and Bengaluru
On Tuesday morning, an Emirates flight (EK 500) from Dubai landed safely at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, marking a significant step toward restoring normalcy. Passengers described tense moments in Dubai following the sudden flight suspensions but praised airline arrangements for accommodation and assistance.
Similarly, the first flight from Abu Dhabi arrived at Kempegowda International Airport on Monday night, bringing relief to travellers stranded due to the disruption. A passenger commended Etihad Airways for arranging hotel stays for affected travellers.
Another Emirates flight departed from Dubai to Bengaluru as limited operations resumed.
Ongoing Monitoring
The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that it is closely monitoring the evolving airspace situation. Indian carriers have undertaken calibrated schedule adjustments, with long-haul and ultra-long-haul operations being progressively rerouted to avoid restricted airspace. Aircraft and crew repositioning measures are underway to stabilise operations.
Special arrangements are being made to facilitate the safe and orderly movement of stranded passengers, with airlines deploying additional capacity and coordinating with foreign aviation authorities and Indian missions abroad.
The Middle East conflict has now entered its fourth day following US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, and Tehran’s subsequent retaliatory drone and missile attacks across the region. While limited flight operations have resumed, authorities caution that the situation remains fluid. (ANI)
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