Long wait for Mumbai flyers at CSMIA as Israel-Iran tensions disrupt flight services

• Flight cancellations at major Indian airports due to Israel-Iran tensions
• Over 100 flights cancelled at Mumbai and Delhi airports
• Passengers stranded as airlines suspend Gulf and Europe flights

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Rising tensions between Israel and Iran have led to widespread flight cancellations and delays, leaving several passengers stranded at major airports across India, including Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Many passengers were seen waiting at the Mumbai airport on Monday morning after their flights were either delayed or cancelled. "I'm from Gaya, Bihar. I've been waiting here since 1 pm yesterday, and IndiGo told us to wait. It's been more than 24 hours, and we're still waiting. We have to go to Kuwait," a passenger from Gaya, Bihar, waiting at the Mumbai airport, was quoted by ANI as saying.

Meanwhile, Air India has extended the suspension of all its flights to and from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Qatar until 11.59 pm on Monday. The airline said the decision was taken due to escalating tensions in the region, which have disrupted aviation operations.

In addition, some Europe-bound flights scheduled for March 2 have also been cancelled because of operational constraints linked to restricted airspace over parts of the Middle East. These cancellations have added to the inconvenience faced by travellers.

At Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, several international departures were either delayed or cancelled as flight schedules changed quickly on Sunday. A total of 125 flights, 67 departures and 58 arrivals, were cancelled, affecting both domestic and international travellers, India Today reported.

At Delhi’s IGI Airport, around 100 flights, including 60 departures and 40 arrivals, were cancelled on Sunday amid the evolving situation, the report said.

In a travel advisory issued on March 1, IGI Airport asked passengers to check the status of their flights with airlines before heading to the airport. Authorities cautioned that international services could face delays, diversions or last-minute changes.

At Tiruchirappalli International Airport, officials reported the cancellation of 17 arrivals and 16 departures on March 1. More cancellations are expected on March 2 as the situation continues to evolve.

In Karnataka, air travel was also affected. At Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, 37 flights were cancelled on Sunday due to the conflict. Around 150 students from Chikkaballapur district were reportedly stranded in Dubai because of the flight suspensions.

Hyderabad airport also experienced major disruptions, with more than 50 flights cancelled on Sunday. At least 30 arrivals and 25 departures connecting Hyderabad to key Gulf cities were affected. Flights to Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Muscat and Kuwait were among the worst hit, with airlines cancelling or rescheduling services due to safety concerns and airspace restrictions.