Air India, IndiGo suspend Middle East flights as Israel-Iran conflict escalates

Major Indian airlines Air India and IndiGo have suspended flights to and from the Middle East following a sharp escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict. The decision comes amid reports of strikes and airspace restrictions affecting several countries in the region, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Jordan.

In an advisory, Air India said all its flights to Middle Eastern destinations have been suspended in view of the developing security situation. The airline emphasised that passenger and crew safety remains its highest priority and added that operations would be reviewed continuously based on the evolving scenario.

IndiGo also announced the cancellation of flights to and from the Middle East until midnight, citing evolving airspace restrictions around Iran and neighbouring regions. The airline said it is closely monitoring developments and recalibrating operations to minimise disruption while ensuring safety.

The cancellations follow reports of strikes in key cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman and Riyadh, intensifying concerns over regional airspace security. Several international carriers have also suspended or rerouted services, while another Indian airline indicated that some of its Dubai flights would be affected due to the ongoing airspace closures.