If you are flying out of the United Arab Emirates today, you need to verify your itinerary before heading to the gate. On March 14, flight operations to and from major hubs including Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport remain severely disrupted due to the ongoing regional conflict and airspace restrictions.
IndiGo has officially cancelled 97 flights scheduled for today citing airspace constraints and safety concerns, though the carrier is still running a heavily reduced schedule to prime destinations. To help manage the mounting passenger backlog, Air India and Air India Express are stepping in by jointly operating approximately 80 scheduled and non-scheduled flights across the West Asia region today.
Local aviation authorities, along with major carriers like Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia, are strictly urging passengers not to travel to the airports without a confirmed ticket. For anyone navigating international travel right now, checking your flight status prior to departure is absolutely essential to avoid being stranded at the terminal.
The mass aviation disruption began in late February following major military airstrikes and retaliatory drone attacks involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. The strikes reportedly targeted military bases and civilian infrastructure across the Gulf, prompting widespread airspace closures. The conflict has forced global carriers into massive logistical pivots over the last two weeks, significantly increasing flight times and jet fuel costs.
Major Western carriers have pulled out entirely from certain routes as the situation develops. Air Canada has suspended all Toronto-Dubai flights until May 1, and British Airways has suspended Abu Dhabi routes until the end of the year. Fortunately for Indian passengers traveling further west, Air India confirms its long-haul international flights to North America and Europe remain unaffected.
The crisis prompted an emergency security review by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in early March to address the safety of stranded Indian nationals and students in the Gulf. Additionally, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has established a Passenger Assistance Control Room to manage the thousands of travel grievances pouring in from affected flyers.