Air India halts key global routes on March 1 amid Middle East tension

Air India on Saturday announced the cancellation of several long-haul international flights scheduled for March 1, citing an ongoing review of the security situation in the Middle East following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The move marks an expansion of earlier suspensions that had largely affected routes within the Gulf region.

In a statement, an Air India spokesperson said the decision was taken “in the interest of the safety and security of our guests and staff” as the airline continues to assess the evolving developments. Passengers have been informed of the cancellations and are being offered alternative travel options to minimise inconvenience, the airline said.

Major International Routes Affected

The cancelled services include multiple flights connecting Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar with key global destinations. Among them are AI161/AI162 and AI111/AI112 (Delhi–London Heathrow), AI129/AI128 (Mumbai–London Heathrow), and AI169/AI170 (Amritsar–London Gatwick).

Flights between India and North America have also been impacted, including AI101/AI102 (Delhi–New York JFK), AI119/AI116 (Mumbai–New York JFK), AI191/AI144 (Mumbai–Newark), AI127/AI126 (Delhi–Chicago via Vienna), and AI187/AI188 and AI189/AI190 (Delhi–Toronto via Vienna). Services to Europe, including AI2025/AI2026 (Delhi–Frankfurt), AI2027/AI2028 (Mumbai–Frankfurt), and AI143/AI142 and AI147/AI148 (Delhi–Paris), have also been cancelled.

Escalating Regional Tensions

The cancellations come amid heightened geopolitical tensions after military strikes by the United States and Israel targeting Iranian sites. Iran has reportedly retaliated, including strikes aimed at US military bases in the region. The escalation has led to temporary airspace closures across parts of West Asia, prompting airlines worldwide to reassess flight paths that pass through or near affected areas.

Earlier, Air India and other carriers, including IndiGo, had suspended flights to several Middle Eastern destinations, with Indian airports reporting cancellations and stranded passengers.