Indian airlines have canceled approximately 350 flights on March 1, 2026, as tensions escalate in West Asia due to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. Among the affected airlines, Air India has suspended 20 additional long-haul services to European destinations, including London, Zurich, Milan, Frankfurt, and Copenhagen.
The cancellations follow air strikes in the region, prompting the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to issue an urgent advisory suspending flights to 11 countries in West Asia until March 2. Air India announced further cancellations across Europe, bringing the total number of its long-haul services affected for the day to 48. This includes 28 earlier cancellations impacting routes to the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has committed to covering all accommodation and sustenance costs for stranded passengers, ensuring essential services continue despite the flight suspensions. Authorities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have instructed hotels to accommodate guests unable to depart due to the disruption, with Abu Dhabi confirming the government will bear the accommodation costs.
The Indian Embassy in Muscat, Oman, has issued a notice allowing Indian citizens in GCC countries with valid resident cards to obtain a visa on arrival, enabling temporary shelter. Additionally, Indian passport holders with valid visas or residence permits from the U.S., U.K., Canada, Japan, and Schengen countries can enter Oman for up to 10 days without a pre-arranged visa.
These developments mark a significant disruption in air travel, with geopolitical tensions impacting civilian mobility across the region. The situation remains fluid, with further advisories expected as the conflict evolves.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 2nd, 2026
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