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Air India Cancels US, Europe Flights Over Middle East Security Fears

Air India has cancelled numerous long-haul international flights scheduled for March 1, including services to London, New York, Chicago, and Toronto. The airline cited an ongoing assessment of the security situation in the Middle East following military strikes involving the US and Israel against Iran. These cancellations expand earlier suspensions that primarily affected Gulf routes and are due to temporary airspace closures in West Asia. The airline is notifying affected passengers and offering alternative options while continuing to monitor developments.

Key Points: Air India Cancels Flights to US, UK, Canada Over Middle East Tensions

  • Flights to London, NYC, Chicago, Toronto cancelled
  • Decision due to Middle East security assessment
  • Follows earlier Gulf route suspensions
  • Airspace closures forcing global route reassessments
2 min read

Air India cancels several international flights scheduled for March 1 due to Middle East situation; flights to London, Chicago, Toronto, New York impacted

Air India cancels multiple long-haul flights to London, New York, Chicago & Toronto on March 1 due to Middle East security situation. Details here.

"in the interest of the safety and security of our guests and staff - Air India spokesperson"

New Delhi, March 1

Air India announced the cancellation of several long-haul international flights scheduled for March 1, citing continued assessment of the evolving security situation in the Middle East following the US and Israel's strikes against Iran.

Among the flights impacted are those to some major destinations, including London, Chicago, Toronto, New York and Paris

The decsion expands earlier suspensions that primarily affected Gulf routes.

"As part of our continuing assessment of the evolving situation in the Middle East, in the interest of the safety and security of our guests and staff, Air India has cancelled the following flights scheduled on March 1, 2026," an Air India spokesperson said.

"AI161/AI162 and AI111/AI112: Delhi-London (Heathrow) / London (Heathrow)-Delhi; AI129/AI128: Mumbai-London (Heathrow) / London (Heathrow)-Mumbai; AI169/AI170: Amritsar-London (Gatwick) / London (Gatwick)-Amritsar; AI101/AI102: Delhi-New York (JFK) / New York (JFK)-Delhi; AI119/AI116: Mumbai-New York (JFK) / New York (JFK)-Mumbai; AI191/AI144: Mumbai-Newark / Newark - Mumbai; AI127/AI126: Delhi-Chicago / Chicago-Delhi (via Vienna); AI187/AI188 and AI189 and AI190: Delhi-Toronto / Toronto-Delhi (via Vienna); AI2025/AI2026: Delhi-Frankfurt / Frankfurt-Delhi; AI2027/AI2028: Mumbai-Frankfurt / Frankfurt-Mumbai; AI143/AI142 and AI147/AI148: Delhi-Paris / Paris-Delhi," the sopkesperson added.

The airline said it sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused to the valued guests by these disruptions and is notifying them cancellations and supporting with alternative options to minimise the inconvenience.

The airline also said it will continue to monitor developments closely and issue updates based on ongoing risk assessments.

The cancellations come amid heightened geopolitical tensions following military strikes involving Israel and the United States targeting Iranian sites. Iran has also carried out strikes in the region, apparently targeting US military baes. The escalation has led to temporary airspace closures in parts of West Asia, forcing airlines worldwide to reassess routes that traditionally pass through or near affected corridors.

Earlier, Air India and other carriers, including IndiGo, suspended flights to several Middle Eastern destinations. Airports in India reported cancellations and stranded passengers.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
This is so disruptive for families! My sister in Toronto was coming home for a wedding next week. Now her flight is cancelled and she might miss it. 😔 The situation is scary, but the communication from airlines needs to be faster and clearer.
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Aman W
Understandable decision given the risks. But I hope this prompts our aviation authorities and airlines to develop more robust contingency plans. Rerouting via safer corridors should be explored more actively instead of just cancelling.
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Sarah B
It's a global issue affecting many airlines, not just Air India. The Middle East tensions have a ripple effect worldwide. Passengers should check their flight status constantly and have travel insurance.
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Vikram M
This is the right call, ji. No point risking hundreds of lives. But I do have a respectful criticism: the notification seems to have come quite late for a March 1 flight. Proactive communication is key in such crises.
K
Kriti O
Feel for all the students flying back after semester break. Flights to Canada and US are major routes for them. Hope alternative arrangements are made without extra cost. 🙏

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