Air India Halts Flights Amid Middle East Conflict,impacting Global Travel

Air India has announced an immediate suspension of flight operations to Europe, five destinations in the United States, and Canada. This disruption follows escalating tensions in the Middle East,substantially impacting international air travel on June 24,2025.

flight Disruptions and Affected routes

The decision to halt flights comes in response to rising tensions in the Middle East,including a recent missile attack by Iran on a U.S. airbase in Qatar. Several countries, including Qatar, have closed their airspace, creating critically important challenges for airlines operating in the region.

Did you Know? Airspace closures can cost airlines millions of dollars due to rerouting and delays, impacting both passenger travel and cargo transport.

air India’s long-haul flights, which typically overfly the Middle East en route to Europe and North america, are especially affected. The airline has temporarily suspended services to several European cities, as well as to four U.S.airports: New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), and Washington (IAD), and Toronto (YYZ) in Canada.

“Our India-bound flights from North America are diverting back to their respective origins,and others are being diverted back to India or rerouted away from the closed airspaces,” Air India stated. The airline is closely monitoring the situation and consulting with external security advisors.

Impact on Other Airlines

The disruptions extend beyond Air India. Air India Express diverted two Doha-bound flights due to the closure of Qatar airspace. IndiGo reported that flight arrivals and departures from Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Tbilisi are also affected. spicejet also indicated potential impacts on departures and arrivals due to airspace closures in Dubai.

Pro Tip: Travelers should check the status of their flights directly with their airline and consider purchasing travel insurance that covers disruptions due to unforeseen events.

Air India Express Operations to Doha

Air India Express operates 25 weekly flights to Doha, Qatar’s capital, with direct services from Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, thiruvananthapuram, and Tiruchchirappalli. Additionally, it serves eight one-stop destinations from Doha, including Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, mumbai, and Pune.

Flight Diversions and Rerouting

with the closure of Qatar airspace, Air India Express diverted a Doha-bound flight from Kochi to Muscat and returned a flight bound from Kannur. Airlines are actively rerouting flights to ensure passenger safety while minimizing delays.

Airline Statements and Passenger Impact

Airlines are issuing statements to keep passengers informed about the evolving situation. Air india has requested understanding from affected passengers, acknowledging that the disruption is beyond the airline’s control. IndiGo is actively monitoring the situation and adjusting operations to maintain the highest level of safety.

What are the alternatives for affected passengers?

Passengers impacted by these flight cancellations should contact their respective airlines to explore rebooking options, alternative routes, or potential refunds. Staying informed through official airline channels and news updates is crucial during this period of uncertainty.

How can travelers stay updated on the situation?

travelers can stay updated by monitoring airline websites, social media channels, and reputable news sources for the latest information on flight schedules and airspace conditions.