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SriLankan Airlines Cancels 10 Flights as Middle East Airspace Closes

SriLankan Airlines has cancelled 10 flights to and from the Middle East until noon on March 1 due to airspace closures from the escalating regional conflict. The cancellations affect routes to Riyadh, Kuwait, Dammam, Dubai, and Doha. This is part of a broader aviation disruption, with major carriers like Air India and IndiGo also suspending services to the region. Airports in India have established help desks to assist stranded passengers as flight corridors remain uncertain.

Key Points: SriLankan Airlines Cancels Flights Amid Middle East Conflict

  • 10 flights cancelled to/from Middle East
  • Airspace closed in Iran, Israel, Iraq
  • Safety and operational security cited
  • Air India and IndiGo also suspend services
  • Dedicated help desks set up at Indian airports
2 min read

SriLankan Airlines cancels 10 flights amid ongoing Middle East conflict

SriLankan Airlines cancels 10 Middle East flights due to airspace closures from regional conflict. Air India and IndiGo also suspend services.

"We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding during this situation. - SriLankan Airlines"

Colombo, February 28

SriLankan Airlines announced the cancellation of 10 flights to and from the Middle East due to airspace closures in parts of the region amid escalating tensions in West Asia. The airline said the decision was taken in the interest of passenger safety and operational security.

In an official statement issued on X today, the airline said, "SriLankan Airlines regrets to inform that all flights departing to the Middle East from Colombo have been cancelled until 1200 noon on 01st March 2026 due to the ongoing Middle East conflict."

The affected outbound flights include UL265 (Colombo-Riyadh), UL229 (Colombo-Kuwait), UL253 (Colombo-Dammam), UL225 (Colombo-Dubai) and UL217 (Colombo-Doha).

The airline also cancelled return services UL230 (Kuwait-Colombo), UL266 (Riyadh-Colombo), UL254 (Dammam-Colombo), UL226 (Dubai-Colombo) and UL218 (Doha-Colombo).

"We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding during this situation. Further updates will be provided as received," the airline said. Passengers have been advised to contact the airline's customer service centres, reach out via WhatsApp, consult their travel agents or visit the official website for further updates.

The cancellations come amid a broader aviation disruption triggered by escalating hostilities in West Asia following joint military strikes involving Israel and the United States targeting Iranian sites. The developments have led to the temporary closure of airspace in Iran, Israel and Iraq, forcing airlines to suspend, reroute or cancel flights across the Middle East sector.

Major carriers in the region and South Asia have already announced similar measures. Air India suspended all flights to Middle Eastern destinations until March 1, citing safety concerns. IndiGo also halted operations to and from the Middle East and select international routes, offering passengers full refunds or free rescheduling options.

Airports across India have set up dedicated help desks to assist stranded travellers as uncertainty continues over the reopening of safe flight corridors.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is a huge disruption for so many Indian workers in the Gulf. Flights from India are also cancelled. Hope the government is coordinating with airlines to help stranded passengers, especially those who might run out of money for hotels.
D
David E
A respectful criticism: While the safety decision is correct, the communication from airlines often feels like a one-way street. Passengers are left scrambling. A more proactive system for rebooking and compensation info would go a long way.
A
Aman W
It's not just about flights. This conflict affects global trade and oil prices, which hits our economy directly. Hope for a swift de-escalation. The common people always suffer the most in these situations.
S
Shreya B
Good to see Air India and IndiGo also taking immediate action. The help desks at airports are crucial. My friend is stuck in Colombo, but at least the process seems coordinated across the region. Fingers crossed it resolves soon.
K
Karthik V
This is why you always get travel insurance, yaar! Especially for these volatile routes. Airlines do their best, but passengers also need to be prepared for such eventualities. Stay safe everyone.

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