US–Israel–Iran tensions spark global aviation chaos, 700+ flights hit - Check details

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• Escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions cause major airspace closures
• Over 700 flights cancelled, hundreds more rerouted worldwide
• Airlines face delays, cancellations, and rising costs globally

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The global aviation industry is facing severe operational stress following the escalation of conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has forced widespread airspace closures across West Asia.

The global aviation industry is experiencing a major wave of disruption as of Sunday, March 1, 2026, after the escalation of military tensions between the United States–Israel alliance and Iran led to emergency restrictions across several air corridors. Industry estimates suggest more than 700 flights have been cancelled and hundreds more rerouted worldwide.

What began as localised safety restrictions has now expanded into a regional operational crisis, effectively shutting down one of the world’s most important international flight transit zones.

Airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates has been either closed or subjected to strict navigation controls. Major international aviation hubs, including airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, have also been forced to restrict traffic movement, causing cascading delays across global networks.

Indian carriers hit by West Asia route uncertainty

Indian airlines have faced significant network stress due to their reliance on Middle East transit routes.

IndiGo has cancelled more than 350 flights over three days, including 166 flights on March 1, 162 flights on March 2, and 43 flights on March 3. The cancellations represent approximately 7–8% of the airline’s normal daily operation of about 2,100–2,200 flights.

Other Indian carriers, such as Air India and Air India Express, have also suspended or rerouted several services to the Gulf and West Asia region due to security advisories and restricted airspace access.

The disruption has forced aircraft to take longer alternative routes to avoid conflict zones, increasing flight time, fuel consumption, and operational expenses for airlines.

Global airline network under pressure

The crisis has affected several major international operators. Gulf-based carriers, including Emirates and other regional airlines, have cancelled or diverted flights, while European carriers such as Lufthansa have also adjusted schedules to maintain passenger safety.

Travel analysts say the Middle East corridor is one of the busiest global aviation transit routes, linking South Asia, Europe, and North America. Any prolonged closure of this airspace could have significant ripple effects on international tourism and business travel.

Thousands of passengers globally have been affected by stranded aircraft, missed connections, and schedule uncertainty. Airlines are offering rebooking flexibility and travel waivers to mitigate passenger inconvenience.