Bengaluru: As many as 34 international flights were cancelled at Kempegowda International Airport on Wednesday as airline operations continued to be disrupted due to the ongoing West Asia conflict and related airspace restrictions.
According to airport authorities, the cancellations — comprising 18 arrivals and 16 departures — were recorded on March 4 until 11.59 am. The disruption has significantly impacted international connectivity from Bengaluru to several key West Asian destinations.
Key West Asia routes affected
The affected sectors include major international routes connecting Bengaluru with cities such as Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Dubai and Doha. Several flights operating to and from these destinations were either cancelled or rescheduled owing to restricted airspace and operational constraints faced by airlines.
Airport officials stated that airlines are closely monitoring the evolving geopolitical situation and adjusting schedules accordingly to ensure passenger safety and compliance with international aviation advisories.
The cancellations have disrupted travel plans for hundreds of passengers, including business travellers, migrant workers and families travelling for personal and religious purposes.
BIAL sets up passenger help desk
Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates the airport, said a dedicated help desk has been set up at the kerbside of Terminal 2 to manage passenger queries and provide on-ground assistance amid the disruptions.
Officials said the help desk is functioning as a single-window support system, especially since multiple international carriers operate from the airport. The desk is coordinating ground transport, facilitating emergency services and addressing general passenger concerns until airline representatives arrive at the terminal.
Passengers have been guided to the respective ground handlers responsible for their airlines to assist with rebooking, refunds and onward travel arrangements.
Passenger amenities arranged
To ease inconvenience, the airport authorities have arranged several basic amenities at the kerbside area. These include chairs for seating, drinking water, snacks, medical assistance, sanitary pads, charging stations and a makeshift feeding facility. Wheelchairs have also been made available for passengers requiring mobility support.
Airport officials said efforts are being made to ensure passenger comfort and safety during the period of uncertainty. Additional staff have been deployed to manage crowds and streamline assistance services.
Continuing uncertainty
The disruptions come amid heightened tensions in West Asia, which have led to temporary airspace restrictions in certain regions. Airlines are rerouting or cancelling flights depending on advisories issued by aviation authorities and international regulators.
Travellers have been advised to check the status of their flights with respective airlines before proceeding to the airport. Authorities have also urged passengers to arrive early and remain in contact with airline customer service teams for updates.
With the situation remaining fluid, further schedule adjustments cannot be ruled out. Airport authorities have assured that updates will be communicated promptly as airlines revise their operations.
Despite the disruptions, airport operations within domestic sectors and unaffected international routes are continuing as scheduled. Officials have reiterated their commitment to passenger safety and smooth coordination during the ongoing crisis.