Over 10,000 Flights Cancelled as Conflict Disrupts Air Travel Between India and West Asia
Synopsis
The ongoing conflict in West Asia has led to the cancellation of over 10,000 Indian flights, drastically impacting air travel. With safety as a priority, authorities are monitoring the situation closely as airlines reduce operations.
Key Takeaways
Over 10,000 flights cancelled due to West Asia conflict.
Daily flights reduced from 300-350 to 80-90.
Safety is the top priority for airlines and government.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
Normal operations will resume after safety conditions improve.
New Delhi, April 7 (NationPress) The recent escalation of conflict in West Asia has led to significant disruptions in flight services between India and the region, resulting in the cancellation of more than 10,000 flights operated by Indian airlines, according to a senior government official on Tuesday.
Asangba Chuba Ao, the Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Civil Aviation, revealed that Indian airlines, which previously managed around 300 to 350 daily flights to West Asia, are now limited to merely 80 to 90 flights each day.
This drastic reduction underscores the extensive impact of the ongoing conflict.
The turmoil began on February 28, when the United States and Israel initiated attacks on Iran, triggering widespread airspace restrictions and raising safety concerns across essential flight routes.
The current statistics reflect a notable rise from earlier reports in Parliament. On March 16, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu informed the Lok Sabha that Indian carriers had already cancelled over 4,335 flights, while international airlines had cancelled approximately 1,187 flights due to the escalating tensions in West Asia.
The minister reiterated that ensuring passenger safety remains the primary concern for both the government and the airlines.
“Indian airlines have cancelled 4,335 flights while foreign carriers have cancelled up to 1,187 flights. Our foremost priority is safety. If the airspace is closed, we cannot operate in that area,” he stated.
He further explained that flight operations are halted whenever airspace in conflict zones is restricted, rendering it unsafe for aircraft to operate.
Despite these disruptions, many passengers continue to travel. The minister indicated that nearly 219,000 passengers flew during the crisis's initial phase, even amid heightened tensions.
Authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, are vigilantly monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with international counterparts.
Officials have indicated that normal flight operations will only resume once airspace restrictions are lifted and safety conditions improve.
Point of View
Emphasizing the need for safety and operational adjustments by airlines. The government is prioritizing passenger safety while navigating these challenging circumstances.
NationPress
20 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were so many flights cancelled?
Over 10,000 flights were cancelled due to the conflict in West Asia, which resulted in airspace restrictions and safety concerns.
How many daily flights were previously operated?
Indian airlines previously operated around 300 to 350 daily flights to West Asia before the conflict began.
What actions are being taken by authorities?
Authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, are closely monitoring the situation and are in constant contact with international counterparts.
When will normal flight operations resume?
Normal flight operations will resume only after airspace restrictions are lifted and safety conditions improve.
How many passengers continued to travel during the crisis?
Around 219,000 passengers flew during the initial phase of the crisis despite the disruptions.
