What Caused the Closure of Middle East Airspace and Its Impact on Kerala Airports?
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Synopsis
The recent closure of Middle East airspace has led to chaos at Kerala airports, stranding numerous passengers. As airlines work to reschedule, the situation is slowly returning to normal. Discover the effects of this disruption on international and domestic travel.
Key Takeaways
- Middle East airspace closure caused significant disruptions at Kerala airports.
- Hundreds of passengers were stranded due to numerous flight cancellations.
- Airlines are gradually rescheduling flights as the situation normalises.
- Domestic passengers were also affected by the cancellations.
- Alternative travel routes are being offered to stranded travellers.
Thiruvananthapuram, June 24 (NationPress) The abrupt closure of airspace over sections of the Middle East from late Monday night led to significant turmoil at Kerala's four prominent international airports on Tuesday, with numerous passengers left stranded due to a wave of flight cancellations.
Display boards at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Kannur airports exhibited extensive lists of cancelled and delayed flights, creating a climate of uncertainty for travellers.
However, with emerging reports indicating that conditions are starting to stabilise following the ceasefire declaration between Israel and Iran, many have expressed relief as airlines commenced rescheduling disrupted journeys.
With over a quarter-million Keralites residing in various Middle Eastern nations, these countries heavily depend on air connectivity with Kerala.
Notably, popular magician Gopinath Muthukad, who was present at Doha airport on Monday night during the incident, recounted his experience.
He remarked, "I learned about the sudden airspace closure after arriving at the airport. Now I’ve received a boarding pass for Tuesday night. Things seem to be returning to normal in Qatar, and I’ve been informed that flight operations should resume soon, apart from some delays."
More than two dozen international flights from Kerala faced cancellations starting Monday night. A passenger headed to Saudi Arabia mentioned he was offered an alternative route through Oman, which had not suspended its airspace.
“I was told I could fly to Oman and then take a connecting flight to Saudi Arabia. I’m currently waiting for that option,” he shared.
Another traveller scheduled to fly to Qatar stated, “My flight was cancelled, but I’ve been rebooked for Wednesday or later this week.”
At Kochi airport, a group of stranded passengers reported that airline staff had advised them to frequently check their phones for updates.
“Some of us who live nearby have returned home, but many are still waiting here at the airport,” they noted.
The disruption has affected not only international passengers but also domestic travellers. Several Middle East-bound flights typically have domestic segments, and the cancellations have stranded many such passengers across India.
Airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and various Gulf-based carriers were among those that cancelled flights.
Point of View
The recent airspace closure in the Middle East has not only disrupted travel for many but has also highlighted the dependence of various regions on air connectivity. It’s essential to monitor how airlines and governments respond to restore normalcy while ensuring passenger safety. As always, our priority is to keep the public informed and prepared for the challenges ahead.
NationPress
24/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the airspace closure over the Middle East?
The airspace closure was prompted by escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, leading to security concerns.
How many flights were cancelled from Kerala?
More than two dozen international flights from Kerala were cancelled due to the airspace disruption.
What are airlines doing to assist stranded passengers?
Airlines are working to reschedule affected flights and providing alternative travel options for stranded passengers.
How has this affected domestic flights?
The disruption has also impacted domestic passengers, as many Middle East-bound flights have domestic legs, leaving several stranded across India.
When can we expect normal flight operations to resume?
Reports indicate that flight operations are beginning to normalise, with many airlines expected to resume services soon.
