NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said more than 410 flights operated by domestic airlines were canceled on Saturday and around 444 flights are expected to be canceled on Sunday as airspace restrictions continue over Iran and parts of the Middle East. In a post onAmid widespread cancellations and airspace restrictions in parts of the Middle East, the Aviation Ministry said authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with airlines and airports to minimize inconvenience to passengers.
“The DGCA maintains close coordination with the airlines to ensure full compliance with operational and safety norms. Passengers are advised to check and confirm their flight status with the respective airlines before proceeding to the airport. Major airports remain on operational alert to manage possible diversions and ensure smooth facilitation for passengers. Passenger assistance, airline coordination and crowd management at terminals are being closely monitored, with senior officials deployed on the ground,” the ministry also wrote.Highlighting measures taken to address passenger concerns amid large-scale cancellations, the ministry said its grievance redressal mechanisms remain fully active to support affected travellers.“The Ministry’s Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) continues to closely monitor passenger concerns and facilitate prompt redressal. On February 28, AirSewa recorded 216 complaints and 105 complaints were resolved during the same period, ensuring necessary support to the affected passengers. “All stakeholders are working in coordination to ensure orderly handling of affected passengers and timely assistance to all affected travelers,” the statement added. The cancellations come amid escalating tensions in West Asia following coordinated US-Israeli attacks on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions by Tehran against Israel and US military bases in the region. Several countries have imposed airspace restrictions and issued NOTAMs, affecting international flight operations.Earlier, Air India announced the cancellation of 28 international flights scheduled for March 1 connecting India with cities in Europe, the United States and Canada, citing the evolving situation in the Middle East.The affected routes include services between Delhi and London (Heathrow), Mumbai and London (Heathrow), Amritsar and London (Gatwick), Delhi and New York (JFK), Mumbai and New York (JFK), Mumbai and Newark, Delhi and Chicago (via Vienna), Delhi and Toronto (via Vienna), Delhi and Frankfurt, Mumbai and Frankfurt and Delhi and Paris.The airline had previously suspended all flights to Middle East destinations until 11.59pm on March 1, stating that safety remains its top priority. It said affected passengers are being informed and provided with rebooking and refund options.IndiGo also issued a travel advisory saying it is closely monitoring developments across the Middle East, including updates related to Iran and surrounding airspace, and remains prepared to take necessary action based on changing conditions.Flight disruptions were particularly visible at Kerala airports. Several services from Kochi to Doha, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi were cancelled, while some flights faced delays or diversions. Qatar Airways temporarily suspended flights to and from Doha following the closure of Qatar airspace.The Aviation Minister held a high-level review meeting through video conferencing with senior officials of the ministry, Airports Authority of India, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), airline operators and major airport operators. Discussions focused on maintaining passenger safety, uninterrupted operations and real-time coordination.Airlines have been instructed to closely monitor airspace advisories and implement rerouting or diversions when necessary, in accordance with international safety standards. Airports across India, especially major international hubs, have been put on high alert to handle diversions, emergency landings and assistance to passengers.The ministry is also coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs to address any urgent needs involving Indian or domestic carriers abroad.Passengers have been urged to stay in touch with their airlines for updates and confirm flight status before heading to the airport, as the situation in the Middle East remains volatile.