Air travel across the Middle East was thrown into chaos on Saturday after U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes on Iran, prompting multiple countries to close their airspace and forcing airlines — including India’s largest carriers — to suspend services to the region.

Indian airlines halt operations

Air India announced that all flights to destinations across the Middle East have been suspended until 2359 hours on March 1, citing safety concerns amid the evolving situation.

“The safety and security of our passengers, crew and aircraft remain our highest priority. We are closely monitoring developments and remain in continuous coordination with relevant authorities,” the airline said in a statement.

The Tata Group-owned carrier added that affected passengers are being informed and offered rebooking or full refunds.

IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, also suspended flight operations to and from the Middle East and select international sectors until March 1, 2026.

The airline said it is offering full refunds or free rescheduling for bookings made on or before February 28 for travel until March 7.

Both airlines urged passengers to check real-time flight status updates and remain reachable for notifications.

Regional airspace closures

The suspensions follow widespread airspace closures across the region:

United Arab Emirates closed its airspace, affecting operations at Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest international hub and base for Emirates.

Qatar shut its airspace, prompting Qatar Airways to temporarily cancel flights to and from Doha.

Israel closed its airspace, with flights diverted from Ben Gurion Airport and passengers escorted back from departure gates.

Turkish Airlines suspended services to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Jordan until Monday, and halted Saturday flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE and Oman.

Virgin Atlantic cancelled its Heathrow–Dubai service and is avoiding Iraqi airspace, potentially lengthening India-bound routes.

KLM had earlier announced suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv starting Sunday.

Airlines globally have begun rerouting aircraft to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace, carrying extra fuel in case of sudden diversions.

Government reviews aviation preparedness

In New Delhi, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu held a high-level review meeting with aviation stakeholders on Saturday to assess preparedness and passenger safety.

According to an official release:

• Airlines were instructed to ensure timely rerouting and diversions in line with safety protocols.

Thousands of Indian passengers travelling to Gulf destinations — a crucial corridor for business, labour movement and transit traffic — are facing disruptions.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed deep concern over developments in Iran and the Gulf region.

“India is deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region. We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians,” the MEA said in a statement.

U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran

The disruptions come after U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed early Saturday that American forces are conducting a “massive and ongoing” military operation targeting Iran’s missile infrastructure.

“We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground,” Trump said in a video message.

Israel had earlier confirmed coordination with Washington in the offensive, marking a major escalation in regional tensions.

In response, multiple Middle Eastern nations closed their skies as a precaution against retaliation and missile threats.