Flights between India and Europe suffer as Middle East tension leads to air space closure

New Delhi: At least 48 flights to and from the Middle East, via or destined for Delhi, have been cancelled because of the Israel-Iran crisis that has led to closure of airspace in the region.

The air restrictions have adversely impacted flight operations between India and Europe.

Airport officials said that it was unclear when operations through the Middle East will resume. Twenty departures and 28 arrivals were cancelled on Monday.

The flights were destined for different cities in Europe and the US. According to Delhi airport officials, among the arrival flights are 17 of Air India, eight of IndiGo Airlines. Three others were cancelled too. Among the departures, ten are of Air India, seven of Indigo, and three of other airlines.

While sources at Delhi airport said that they are yet to receive more information, Air India said on social media that it will gradually start services. "As airspaces gradually reopen in certain parts of the Middle East, Air India will progressively resume flights to the region starting today, with most operations to and from the Middle East resuming from 25 June. Flights to and from Europe, previously cancelled, are also being progressively reinstated from today, while services to and from the east coast of the US and Canada will resume at the earliest opportunity. Some flights may experience delays or cancellations due to consequential impacts and extended re-routings/flight times, but we are committed to minimising disruptions and restoring our schedule integrity. Air India will continue to avoid airspaces assessed as unsafe at any given time. We will keep passengers informed of any updates and sincerely appreciate their understanding. The safety and security of our passengers, staff and aircraft remain our top priority," Air India posted on X.

On Monday, among departure and arrival cancellations were flights to and from different cities in Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, the US, UK, France, Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Switzerland.