Global air travel has plunged into chaos as the sharply escalated military conflict involving Israel and Iran with coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets has triggered widespread airspace closures, airport shutdowns and massive flight cancellations around the world.
Major Middle Eastern aviation hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha have seen operations halt or severely restricted after several countries in the region closed their skies amid security concerns. This disruption has forced more than 1,000 flights to be cancelled or rerouted, leaving hundreds of thousands of travellers stranded or diverted to alternate airports across Asia, Europe and Africa.
In India, key international gateways including Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi reported long delays and cancellations, with some passengers waiting over a dozen hours without clear updates. Domestic carriers have suspended numerous routes to the Middle East on safety advice from aviation authorities, with hundreds of flights cancelled so far.
The turmoil extends beyond the Gulf. Airlines from Europe, North America and Asia have either suspended services to conflict-affected regions or rerouted flights to avoid hostile airspace. Several major carriers warned of ongoing disruptions as military tensions persist.
Authorities in affected countries emphasized passenger safety and urged travellers to stay in close contact with airlines for updates, while airport officials have scrambled to manage diverted flights and provide assistance amid overcrowded terminals.
This unprecedented aviation breakdown underscores how rapidly geopolitical conflicts can ripple through global transport networks, disrupting travel plans and stranding millions far from home.
