Middle East crisis: Indian airlines cancel 350 flights on Sunday
New Delhi/ Mumbai (PTI): Indian airlines cancelled 350 international flights on Sunday as operational disruptions continued for the second day due to the escalating Middle East conflict.
With airspace closures in the Middle East and security concerns, Air India and IndiGo have also cancelled their flights that use these airspaces.
"In view of airspace restrictions arising from geopolitical developments in the Middle East, a total of 350 flights operated by Indian domestic carriers have been cancelled on 01.03.2026," the civil aviation ministry said in a post on X at 1634 hours on Sunday.
At 0125 hours, the ministry in an X post said that 444 international flights were expected to be cancelled on Sunday due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East.
On February 28, the ministry said 410 flights of domestic carriers were cancelled.
Air India and SpiceJet shared details about the number of flights cancelled through X posts.
Air India said Sunday morning it had cancelled a total of 22 international flights, besides 28 it had announced on February 28 due to the Middle East crisis.
According to SpiceJet, 33 flights to and from the UAE have been cancelled.
Air India Express extended the suspension of flights to and from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates until 2359 hours IST on March 2.
IndiGo said the temporary suspension of select international flights that use Middle East airspace, has been extended until 2359 hours IST on March 2.
All airlines provided the updates through posts on X while Air India Express issued a statement.
Meanwhile, the ministry also said it was closely coordinating with airlines, airport operators and other stakeholders to proactively monitor the situation and facilitate necessary passenger support.
Airlines are also offering waivers for rescheduling and cancellation charges.
Air India and Air India Express said that for bookings made on or before February 28 with travel originally planned up to March 5, passengers can reschedule flights at no additional charge or request a full refund.
This is for travel to and from the Middle East, which has been impacted due to the ongoing situation.
At least 225 flights were cancelled at Delhi and Mumbai airports on Sunday. These include departures and arrivals.
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Odisha man allegedly murders wife; hangs himself to death in Anekal
Anekal: A recent incident of an Odisha-based man allegedly murdering his wife and later committing suicide by hanging himself has come to light late from Heelalige village under Suryanagar Police Station limits.
The deceased are identified as Deepanth Sabar (31) and his wife Manjula Sabar (27), who were reportedly staying in a rented house since three weeks ago and working in a private company in Bommasandra.
Police have said that the couple fought frequently, adding that Sabar might have murdered his wife Manjula in a fit of anger, before hanging himself to death at home.
Shivakumar, the owner of the house, confirmed that he had rented the house to the couple 20 days ago. On Thursday night, when Shivakumar’s mother Chowdamma checked near the house, she reportedly saw Manjula lying dead on a bed and immediately informed Suryanagar Police.
The probe team is learned to have broken the door open and entered the house, where they found that the husband too had died by hanging. The bodies of the couple were nearly decomposed, and the police have said that they duo might have died two days before.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Mallesh Gowda and Inspector Sanjeev Mahajan reportedly inspected the crime scene.
Sabar is said to have recorded a video of himself sitting crying beside his wife’s corpse. A check of his mobile phone matter shows that he committed suicide soon after. Sabar is also learned to have left behind a death note in Odia.
Sabar and Manjula’s bodies have been handed over to their family members after conducting the post-mortem test at the government hospital.
A police case has been registered and further investigation is underway.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
