Gulf tensions: Multiple flights disrupted across India; airlines issue alert

NEW DELHI: Flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport have been heavily disrupted since last night, with 48 cancellations reported, 28 arrivals and 20 departures, according to airport sources.

National carrier Air India and low-cost airline IndiGo were the most affected. Air India cancelled 17 arriving and 10 departing flights, while IndiGo saw 8 arrival and 7 departure cancellations. Other domestic and international airlines also faced disruptions, with 3 arrivals and 3 departures cancelled.

The impact was not limited to Delhi. Airports across India, including Ahmedabad (SVPIA), Thiruvananthapuram, and Mangaluru, reported delays and cancellations due to airspace restrictions over Qatar and parts of the Gulf region.

Cochin International Airport in Kerala issued a statement confirming multiple flight disruptions due to operational reasons. Affected services included flights between Cochin and Doha (A1953), Dubai (SG018), Abu Dhabi (6E1403), Riyadh (6E1493), Muscat (6E1271 and 6E1272), Bahrain (6E1206/055), and return flights from these locations, such as SG017 (Dubai to Cochin) and 6E1404 (Abu Dhabi to Cochin).

Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow also issued a travel advisory, asking passengers to confirm flight schedules with airlines before heading to the airport.

These disruptions come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Iran recently launched a missile strike targeting U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq, including Al Udeid Air Base -- the largest American military installation in the region. The attack was in retaliation for US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow on Sunday.

Airport authorities across affected cities have advised passengers to stay updated and cooperate with airline staff as flight schedules may continue to change based on developments in the Gulf region.