New Delhi, March 5 At least 175 international flights were cancelled at the Delhi and Bangalore airports on Thursday due to the Middle East crisis, officials said.
Airlines, including those from the Middle East, started operating a limited number of flights to transport passengers who have been stranded as a result of the escalating conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
A total of 105 flights, consisting of 40 departures and 65 arrivals, were cancelled at the Mumbai airport on Thursday, officials said.
They said that 22 departures and 18 arrivals were cancelled at the Delhi airport, while 16 departures and 14 arrivals were cancelled at the Bangalore airport.
SpiceJet said it would operate 13 special flights on Thursday, while Akasa Air would also operate one flight, as well as a return flight from Mumbai to Jeddah.
"Flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, and Kuwait will remain suspended until March 7, 2026," Akasa Air said in a post on X.
International flight operations have been disrupted since February 28, affecting the travel plans of thousands of passengers.
On March 4, 381 international flights departed from Indian airports, carrying 69,745 passengers, according to data from the civil aviation ministry.
"On March 5, 2026, due to the current situation and temporary airspace closures by relevant authorities affecting parts of the region, Qatar Airways has started to organise and operate a limited number of relief flights to assist passengers affected by the current situation and temporary airspace closures across the region," the airline said in a post on X.
Emirates, in a post on X, said that with the limited reopening of airspace, it was operating a reduced flight schedule until further notice.
Amid reports that Air India flew over restricted airspace in the Middle East, the airline said on Thursday that it does not operate flights over any restricted airspace.
"Flight routes are planned using real-time intelligence, global advisories, and continuous monitoring to ensure every journey remains safe, compliant, and reliable," it said in a post on X.