Delhi airport cancels more than 100 flights as Middle East crisis escalates

At least 100 international flights, 62 departures and 42 arrivals, were cancelled at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Sunday as the West Asia crisis disrupted air travel for a second straight day. Despite many cancellations being announced in advance, hundreds of passengers were stranded at the airport, queuing at ticketing counters in search of alternative routes.

An airport official said most cancellations were pre-notified, so passengers would not travel to the airport unnecessarily. However, widespread airspace disruptions also delayed several flights, including domestic services. The airport, which handles about 1,520 flights daily, saw significant operational strain.

Widespread Delays and Passenger Distress

According to flight tracking website FlightRadar24, over 400 flights were delayed as of 9pm, including more than 300 arrivals, with average arrival delays of 19 minutes. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) advised passengers on X to check with airlines, warning that westbound international flights could face delays or schedule changes.

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At Terminal 3, passengers crowded information boards and airline counters. Many reported confusion over flight statuses and long waits for rebooking and baggage retrieval. Some travellers said connecting flights were cancelled after arrival, leaving them stranded for hours. Airline officials distributed refreshment boxes as tired passengers, some in nightwear, who waited with luggage.

Airlines Respond Amid Ongoing Disruptions

Several travellers expressed concerns over job commitments, family emergencies and additional expenses due to cancellations. Some said accommodation requests were declined as disruptions were attributed to extraordinary circumstances.

In a statement on X, DIAL thanked passengers for their patience and said on-ground teams were assisting across terminals. Air India said it was working to rebook affected passengers and inform them through registered contact details.