File photo MUMBAI: Airlines have stepped up evacuation efforts with more special flights as the crisis in the Middle East continued to disrupt air travel for the fourth day in a row on Wednesday.Up to Tuesday, 1,221 international flights by Indian carriers and 388 by foreign carriers were cancelled, the civil aviation ministry said. It said Indian carriers had planned 58 flights to be operated on Wednesday, which included 30 by IndiGo and 23 by Air India and Air India Express. IndiGo has been among the worst-affected carriers, cancelling over 500 flights since Feb 28, according to a disclosure it made to the stock exchange on Wednesday. Israel attacks IranUS-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: Iran launches ‘massive missile’ strike at US airbase in Bahrain; Israel bombs BeirutWest Asia crisis: 38 Indian ships stuck in Persian Gulf; 3 sailors dead’Safety risks’: US orders non-emergency staff in Pakistan to leave Karachi, Lahore consulatesAmid surging passenger demand, Air India announced it is increasing capacity on key long-haul routes, including services to Toronto, Frankfurt and Paris.The airline said the extra flights are intended to offer flyers greater flexibility and smoother connections through Delhi to destinations across its domestic and SE Asian network.Air Canada has scheduled an additional frequency between Toronto and Delhi between March 7 and March 21. The Canadian carrier will also deploy a larger aircraft on its Toronto-London-Mumbai route to accommodate higher passenger loads.Indian airlines continue select services to West AsiaOther Indian airlines, including Akasa Air, SpiceJet and IndiGo, are continuing to operate select services to destinations across West Asia.Airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are currently managing only limited repatriation flights. Meanwhile, passenger services at Bahrain, Doha and Kuwait airports remain suspended.Emirates and Air Arabia confirmed on Wednesday that all regularly scheduled flights to and from Dubai will stay suspended until midnight Saturday. Emirates posted on X that passengers affected by recent cancellations could send them a direct message on X, phone the airline only if they are in need of urgent assistance and when they do so, expect a wait on hold for up to 2-3 hours. Passengers can request a refund for their booking if it is on or before March 12 without contacting the airline, it said.On February 28, day one of the disruption, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had issued an advisory to all Indian carriers asking them to avoid airspace in high-risk zones including Tehran, Tel Aviv, Beirut, Jeddah, Bahrain, Muscat, Baghdad, Amman, Kuwait and Doha.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMeet The Sheshnaag-150: India’s Answer To Cheap One Way Attack DronesHoli Colors Light Up Philippines As Filipino-Indian Community Celebrates Festival Of UnityRahul Gandhi, Kejriwal, BJP Leaders Mix Festive Wishes With Sharp Attacks Amid Holi CelebrationsPakistan President Asif Zardari Claims India Preparing For War, Calls For DialogueIndia Set To Double S-400 Fleet But Is It Worth Against Israel’s Iron DomeFamilies Overjoyed as 200 Stranded Indians Land Home Safely Amid Middle East TensionsMeta Blocks Social Media Pages Of Kashmiri Newspapers As Protests Over Khamenei’s Death SpreadPM Modi Welcomes Finnish President Stubb As India Expands Strategic Reach Amid Global TensionsAs Israel’s Iron Dome Falters In Iran War, India Opts For Five More Russian S-400 Air Defence System’48 Hours After Modi Left…’: Israel Envoy Reuven Azar Reveals When Netanyahu Approved Iran Strike123PhotostoriesSudha Chandran recalls losing her leg in an accident at 16; says, “I have lived more of my life with my prosthetic leg than with my original leg”8 desi-style broccoli dishes for a filling lunch7 Vastu practices that welcome money into your houseAries to Scorpio: Zodiac Signs that are likely to have a love marriageFrom mandap to majesty: Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda turn Hyderabad reception into a royal South Indian fashion momentHow to make high-protein Instant Sprout Chaat at home7 festive and colourful cocktails perfect for your Holi celebration5 air fryer mistakes that ruin textureHow to verify land records before buying a plotPost-Holi detox meal plan for 24 hours to cleanse the body123Hot PicksIran droneUS Iran War Impact on Stock MarketMiddle East CrisisGulf Flights UpdateIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingNBA Injury UpdateUS Israel Strike IranUS Attack on IranCBSE postpones Class 10 and 12 board examsUS Strike IranLG Hospital AhmedabadMiddle East CrisisIsrael Iran ConflictChandra Grahan 2026 TimeSchool Holiday in March
MUMBAI: Airlines have stepped up evacuation efforts with more special flights as the crisis in the Middle East continued to disrupt air travel for the fourth day in a row on Wednesday.Up to Tuesday, 1,221 international flights by Indian carriers and 388 by foreign carriers were cancelled, the civil aviation ministry said. It said Indian carriers had planned 58 flights to be operated on Wednesday, which included 30 by IndiGo and 23 by Air India and Air India Express. IndiGo has been among the worst-affected carriers, cancelling over 500 flights since Feb 28, according to a disclosure it made to the stock exchange on Wednesday. Amid surging passenger demand, Air India announced it is increasing capacity on key long-haul routes, including services to Toronto, Frankfurt and Paris.The airline said the extra flights are intended to offer flyers greater flexibility and smoother connections through Delhi to destinations across its domestic and SE Asian network.Air Canada has scheduled an additional frequency between Toronto and Delhi between March 7 and March 21. The Canadian carrier will also deploy a larger aircraft on its Toronto-London-Mumbai route to accommodate higher passenger loads.Indian airlines continue select services to West AsiaOther Indian airlines, including Akasa Air, SpiceJet and IndiGo, are continuing to operate select services to destinations across West Asia.Airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are currently managing only limited repatriation flights. Meanwhile, passenger services at Bahrain, Doha and Kuwait airports remain suspended.Emirates and Air Arabia confirmed on Wednesday that all regularly scheduled flights to and from Dubai will stay suspended until midnight Saturday. Emirates posted on X that passengers affected by recent cancellations could send them a direct message on X, phone the airline only if they are in need of urgent assistance and when they do so, expect a wait on hold for up to 2-3 hours. Passengers can request a refund for their booking if it is on or before March 12 without contacting the airline, it said.On February 28, day one of the disruption, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had issued an advisory to all Indian carriers asking them to avoid airspace in high-risk zones including Tehran, Tel Aviv, Beirut, Jeddah, Bahrain, Muscat, Baghdad, Amman, Kuwait and Doha.
