Air India has decided to halt its Middle Eastern routes until March 2, which includes canceling vital European flights and rerouting US services through Rome due to ongoing airspace limitations in the region.
If you’re scheduled to travel with Air India this week, it’s advisable to verify your booking.
Air India has prolonged the suspension of all services to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Qatar until 11:59 PM IST on March 2, 2026. This choice follows escalating tensions in various parts of the Middle East, which continue to impact flight safety and airspace accessibility.
For those intending to go to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Tel Aviv, or cities in Saudi Arabia, it indicates there will be no Air India departures or arrivals on these routes until at least that date.
European Flights Cancelled on March 2
The disruption extends beyond the Gulf region. Air India has also scrapped certain flights bound for Europe that were scheduled for March 2, as well as their corresponding return trips. Below is the complete list:
- AI117: Amritsar to Birmingham
- AI151 / AI152: Delhi to Zurich and Zurich to Delhi
- AI157 / AI158: Delhi to Copenhagen and Copenhagen to Delhi
- AI114: Birmingham to Delhi
Those holding reservations on these flights should be on the lookout for rebooking or refund options. The airline is reaching out to passengers via their registered email addresses and phone numbers.
North America and European Flights Still Running, Expect Longer Travel Durations
This is the section that many long-haul passengers are closely monitoring. Services to North America and most European destinations remain operational. Nevertheless, they will be using alternative routes to bypass restricted airspace in the Middle East.
What does this imply? Longer travel times!
Some routes may require additional time in the air due to detours. For those traveling to the United States, there’s one more important detail: flights to New York JFK and Newark will involve technical stops in Rome.
The stop will occur at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport
This is merely a fuel and operational halt, not an opportunity for passengers to disembark the aircraft. Nevertheless, it will prolong the total travel duration.
Reasons Behind Air India’s Adjustments
According to Air India, they are currently assessing safety, security concerns, airspace availability, and the operational viability before usual schedules are finalized.
In such scenarios, airlines continuously evaluate NOTAMs, military notices, and airspace closures. As pathways diminish, rerouting can become intricate and expensive. Ensuring safety is paramount, even if it affects the travel plans of numerous passengers.
At present, these modifications pertain to March 2. Further information will be updated based on how circumstances evolve.
Complimentary Rescheduling and Full Refund Option
Air India is providing complete flexibility for passengers impacted by disruptions in the Middle East.
If you purchased your ticket on or before February 28, 2026, for trips until March 5, 2026, you can change your booking without any additional fees or request a complete refund to your initial payment method.
Air India announces full flexibility for passengers impacted by the Middle East situation.
If you booked on or before 28 Feb 2026 for travel up to 5 March 2026, you can:
✅ Reschedule at no extra cost.
✅ Claim a full refund to your original payment mode.— travelobiz (@travelobiz) March 1, 2026
Guidance for Affected Passengers
- Verify your flight status directly on the airline’s site
- Keep an eye on SMS and email updates
- Reach out to customer service if you need to rebook or seek a refund
- Do not arrive at the airport without confirmation
This situation is evolving quickly. Routes may change again if additional airspace restrictions are implemented.
For travelers on long-haul flights, particularly those connecting through Delhi or Amritsar, it’s wise to build in extra time into your travel itinerary for the upcoming days.
Air India expresses its regret for the inconvenience caused. Currently, travelers should brace for schedule modifications, extended flight durations, and potential last-minute alterations as the airspace situation in the Middle East continues to change.
Fonte: Travelo Biz
