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Coimbatore-Gulf Flights Cancelled as Middle East War Closes Airspace

The ongoing war in the Middle East has led multiple countries to close their airspace, drastically reducing flight operations in the region. This has directly impacted air travel from Coimbatore, India, to its Gulf destinations of Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Flights operated by IndiGo and Air Arabia have been cancelled since the airspace closures began on Saturday. While international travel is halted, domestic operations at Coimbatore International Airport continue normally.

Key Points: Coimbatore-Gulf Flights Cancelled Amid Middle East Airspace Closures

  • Airspace closed in Middle East
  • Flights to Abu Dhabi & Sharjah cancelled
  • IndiGo and Air Arabia operations halted
  • Domestic travel in Coimbatore unaffected
2 min read

Air travel between Coimbatore and Gulf cancelled amid the Middle-East war

Air travel from Coimbatore to Abu Dhabi and Sharjah is cancelled due to Middle East airspace closures from the ongoing conflict, says airport director.

"In the wake of this ongoing war... there is almost negligible flight operation in the Middle East region. - Mohammed Arif"

Coimbatore, March 3

With the ongoing war in the Middle East leading to widespread airspace closures, flight operations in the region have dropped to almost nil, impacting air travel between India and Gulf destinations, airport authorities said on Tuesday.

Speaking to ANI, Mohammed Arif, Director of Coimbatore International Airport, said, "In the wake of this ongoing war in the Middle East region, the airspace there has been closed by multiple countries. Because of that, there is almost negligible flight operation in the Middle East region. India also operates multiple flights to the region on a daily basis from various cities in the country. Coimbatore also happens to be one of those cities that operates flights.

"Coimbatore is connected to 2 Middle East destinations: Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. The Abu Dhabi sector is operated by Indigo, and its frequency is 4 days a week: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Similarly, Air Arabia provides connectivity to Sharjah from Coimbatore, with a frequency of 5 days a week: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The closure of airspace happened on Saturday, the 28th, from the afternoon onward," he added.

Mohammed Arif, Director of Coimbatore International Airport, stated that the Sharjah flight operates early morning around 3:50 am, while the Abu Dhabi flight departs in the afternoon around 3 pm. On Saturday, the Sharjah flight operated normally, but the Abu Dhabi flight was cancelled. On Sunday, both flights were cancelled. On Monday, only the Sharjah flight was scheduled and cancelled, while the Abu Dhabi flight had no scheduled operation. On Tuesday, both the Abu Dhabi (IndiGo) and Sharjah (Air Arabia) flights are cancelled.

He further said, "For today, that is Tuesday, the flight is cancelled. Similarly, for Sharjah, yesterday was the day of operation, Monday, so the flight was cancelled. Today, there is no operation between Coimbatore and Sharjah. That is the status of cancellations as of yet."

Coimbatore International Airport handled a total of 4,073 passengers on March 2, 2026, with 26 flights arriving and 26 flights departing. Domestic travel dominated the traffic, with 3,894 passengers arriving and 3,805 departing. International flights saw 179 passengers arriving and 229 departing. The airport recorded 25 domestic arrivals and departures, along with one international arrival and departure, according to the airport's official X handle.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While safety is paramount, the airport authorities and airlines need to be more proactive with communication. My aunt in Coimbatore found out about her flight cancellation only when she reached the airport. SMS alerts or proper customer service calls are a must in such crises.
P
Priyanka N
The economic impact on Tamil Nadu, especially Coimbatore's industrial belt, will be significant. Many business owners and professionals rely on this Gulf connectivity. Hope the MEA is working on alternative routes or solutions.
V
Vikram M
It's a tough situation, but completely understandable. You can't risk civilian aircraft. The numbers show domestic travel is still strong, which is good. Hopefully, things will settle down soon. Our government should ensure safe repatriation if needed.
A
Aman W
This highlights our over-dependence on the Gulf corridor. Time to seriously develop and promote direct air links with other regions for trade and tourism. Also, full refunds for cancelled tickets should be automatic, not a fight with customer care.
K
Kavya N
My heart goes out to all the stranded passengers and the airport staff handling this. Must be so stressful. The Director giving clear daily updates is helpful. Let's hope for a swift de-escalation and normalcy.

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