Air India, IndiGo suspend all Middle East flights as US-Iran tensions escalate

India's major airlines, Air India and IndiGo, on Saturday announced the suspension of all their flights to destinations across the Middle East in view of the rapidly developing security situation in the region, after escalating armed hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran triggered widespread airspace closures.

The announcement came from both airlines hours after an Air India flight en route from India to Tel Aviv was forced to turn back mid-journey following the closure of regional airspace.

IndiGo said that in view of evolving airspace restrictions around Iran and the Middle East, all flights to and from the Middle East have been cancelled till 00:00 hours.

SpiceJet also issued a statement saying, “Due to airspace closure in Dubai, some of



our flights may be affected.”

At least 12 flights scheduled for tomorrow at Chennai airport have been cancelled owing to the Middle East airspace closure.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India, issued a Safety Advisory on February 28, 2026, warning of heightened risks to civil aviation in the Middle East and Persian Gulf airspace.

The DGCA has advised Indian operators to refrain from operating within the affected airspace at all flight levels and altitudes.

Operators have also been asked to closely monitor updated Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs) and NOTAMs issued by the affected countries and national authorities, and to note that earlier advisories regarding Syrian and Yemeni airspace remain in full effect.