Passengers stranded at Delhi's IGI Airport amid escalated Israel-Iran conflict
New Delhi, March 1
Several passengers were left stranded at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport amid flight disruptions and cancellations due to the evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
The disruptions follow due to widespread airspace closures across parts of the Middle East, affecting all international flight routes.
One of the stranded passengers at the IGI airport expressed his frustration over constant flight delays and cancellations and said he had been waiting for 14 hours but still had no update regarding their flight.
"I was supposed to fly to Saudi from Delhi, but my flight was cancelled. We have been waiting for 14 hours, but we have not heard anything yet. It is becoming very difficult," said the passenger.
The cancellations and delays come amid the escalated tension and disturbance in the Middle East after coordinated military strikes involving Israel and the United States, targeting Iranian sites.
Earlier, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that 444 flights are expected to be cancelled even today.
In a post on X, the MoCA stated that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is in complete coordination with all the concerned airlines to ensure passenger safety and operational regulations.
"Due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East, 410 flights of domestic carriers were cancelled on 28 February, and 444 flights are expected to be cancelled on 1 March. DGCA is maintaining close coordination with airlines to ensure full compliance with safety and operational regulations..." the post read.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's a scary situation globally, but I'm glad DGCA is stepping in. Passenger safety cannot be compromised, even if it means cancellations. Praying for peace in the region and for all the stranded passengers to reach home safely. 🙏
This shows how interconnected the world is. Trouble in the Middle East directly impacts us in Delhi. Airlines should have contingency plans and provide proper facilities—food, water, accommodation—for those stranded. Just cancelling flights and leaving people in limbo is not the solution.
Respectfully, while the geopolitical issue is beyond anyone's control, the handling at the airport seems poor. 444 flights cancelled is massive. The authorities' post on X is just an announcement. Where is the on-ground crisis management? People need real-time help, not just social media updates.
Many Indians work in the Gulf. This disruption affects so many families and our remittances. Hope the government is talking to these countries to find alternate routes or solutions quickly. Jai Hind.
Feel so bad for the passengers. Can't imagine the stress, especially for elderly or those with kids. Airlines, please show some humanity and step up your customer service in these times!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.