Middle East tensions: Direct flights from Chandigarh to Dubai, Abu Dhabi halted until further notice

• All direct flights from Mohali to Dubai, Abu Dhabi suspended
• IndiGo cites Middle East tensions for indefinite suspension
• Passengers offered full refunds or free rescheduling options

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All direct international flights from Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Mohali, to Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been suspended indefinitely. The decision, implemented by carrier IndiGo, comes in response to escalating military tensions and security concerns sweeping across the Middle East.

The daily service to Dubai and the thrice-weekly flights to Abu Dhabi — both operated by IndiGo — were pulled from the schedule as a precautionary measure following reported attacks in the region that have put international airspace on high alert.

Airport Director Ajay Kumar confirmed the development, stating that the airline took the decision to prioritise passenger safety amid the volatile geopolitical climate. Kumar was cited by HT as saying that the airline suspended its Middle East operations from Chandigarh as a precautionary measure.

While the cancellations were initially limited to Dubai-bound flights, authorities subsequently extended the suspension to Abu Dhabi services given the sensitivity of the situation. Both arrivals and departures on these routes remain cancelled until further orders.

The disruption has thrown travel plans into disarray for hundreds of passengers, particularly affecting business travellers, tourists and the large Punjabi diaspora that relies on Dubai and Abu Dhabi as major transit hubs for onward connections to Europe and North America.

In response to the uncertainty, IndiGo has announced a full waiver on changes and cancellations. Tickets booked on or before February 28, 2026, for travel up to March 7, 2026, are eligible for complete flexibility.

Passengers may opt for a full refund or reschedule their journey to a new date without incurring any additional charges. Airline sources cited by The Indian Express added that affected travellers will be eligible for refunds on cancelled travel dates and have been advised to monitor official channels for updates on rebooking options.

Airport authorities have reportedly urged passengers to verify their flight status before departing for the terminal and to rely on official airline websites for the latest information. Security agencies remain on high alert, closely monitoring the situation in coordination with aviation regulators.

Domestic flight operations from Chandigarh remain unaffected and are running as per schedule. Officials have indicated that regular international services to the UAE will resume only after the relevant airspace is declared fully safe for transit.