Mangaluru: Air India Express has announced the cancellation of all its scheduled international flights from Mangaluru International Airport on March 7, citing ongoing disruptions in West Asian airspace linked to the escalating conflict involving Iran and Israel. The move comes as airlines worldwide grapple with airspace closures and operational constraints affecting key international corridors.
The cancellations are part of a broader disruption affecting carriers operating in and through the Gulf region. Major hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other Gulf airports have reported significant operational limitations, prompting airlines to either cancel or reroute services.
Impact on Indian carriers
Indian airlines have been significantly affected by the unfolding crisis. According to industry sources, thousands of flights have been either cancelled or rescheduled in recent days. Carriers like IndiGo have reportedly cancelled over 140 international flights scheduled for March 7, while offering passengers full waivers, refunds, or rebooking options.
Air India and its low-cost subsidiary have also faced operational challenges, although limited services on some Gulf routes, including Jeddah and Muscat, have resumed following the partial reopening of airspace. Despite these efforts, flights to several destinations in the Middle East remain suspended, creating widespread disruption for Indian travellers.
Civil aviation monitoring and passenger guidance
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is actively monitoring the situation, coordinating with airlines and international authorities to mitigate the impact on passengers. Authorities have urged travellers to remain vigilant, check flight schedules regularly, and use available rebooking or refund options.
Passengers booked on affected flights have been advised to directly contact airlines for the latest updates, rebooking, or refund procedures. The situation remains fluid, with airspace restrictions expected to evolve based on regional developments and safety considerations.
Wider international aviation concerns
The Iran–Israel conflict has prompted several nations to impose temporary restrictions on commercial flights over sensitive regions, citing safety and security concerns. This has disrupted not only Indian carriers but also airlines from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Industry analysts note that such airspace closures could have broader economic implications, especially for trade and tourism. The Gulf region serves as a major transit hub for international travel to and from India, and prolonged disruptions could impact travel schedules well into the coming weeks.
Conclusion
For the time being, passengers planning travel from the airport are advised to stay updated on airline communications and follow official advisories. Air India Express and other carriers continue to monitor the situation closely, aiming to resume regular services as soon as airspace conditions permit.