Tata-owned Air India has extended the suspension of flights to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Qatar until March 2, 2026 due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, with some flights to Europe cancelled, the airline said on Sunday.
The announcement comes as several regions in the Middle East, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Manama, Doha, Riyadh and Amman, experienced several loud explosions following a joint US-Israeli strike targeting Iran, according to reports. The attack led to the closure of airports and the cancellation of several flights across the region.
In a post shared on X, Air India informed, “In view of the ongoing situation in the Middle East, Air India has extended the suspension of all flights to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Qatar until 2359 hrs IST on March 2, 2026.”
Some flights to and from Europe, India have been cancelled
In addition, selected flights to Europe scheduled for March 2, 2026 have been canceled along with the scheduled return legs of these flights:
•AI117: Amritsar – Birmingham
•AI151/AI152: Delhi – Zurich
•AI157/AI158: Delhi – Copenhagen
•AI114: Birmingham – Delhi
What is the status of flights to North America and Europe?
Flights to North America and Europe will continue as scheduled using alternative Middle Eastern airspace, resulting in longer flight times. Flights to New York and Newark will include stops at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport.
“All other flights to North America and Europe will be operated as scheduled using alternate routes over available airspace in the Middle East, which is expected to extend flight times. Additionally, flights to New York (JFK) and Newark (Liberty International) will be operated with technical stops at Rome (Fiumicino Airport),” Air India said.
The airline further assured, “Air India continues to monitor the situation closely and has carefully assessed the evolving circumstances across multiple parameters including safety, security, airspace availability and operational feasibility before deciding on these operations on March 2, 2026. We will share updates based on further assessments at the appropriate time.”
The airline apologized for the disruption and said: “Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to the affected guests and is committed to assisting them with alternative arrangements. Guests with affected bookings are being informed on their registered contact details.”
In another post, Air India said it is offering flexibility for travel to and from the Middle East affected by the current situation. Customers can reschedule flights or request a full refund for bookings made by February 28, 2026, for travel through March 5, 2026.
