Dubai-India Flights May Face Impact Amid Ceasefire Volatility

The Dubai International Airport (DXB) on Tuesday had said that flights from the airport may be impacted due to the regional airspace closure and the abundance of caution taken by the authorities. Following Iran’s strike, the routes from the DXB and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) were impacted, with possible delays and cancellation of flights, especially to India, reports Gulf News.

Due to the momentary closure of the airport in the country following Iran’s strike on a US base in Qatar, Dubai-based Emirates Airlines had said it had rerouted several flights en route to Dubai. However, there were no diversions. Etihad Airways had also said it was rerouting a number of flights on June 23 and 24 as a precaution.

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Sharjah-based Air Arabia, too, had issued an advisory, confirming some disruptions due to airspace restrictions.

Following the delay and disruptions, the Dubai Media Office in its statement released on Tuesday said, “While Dubai Airports works with airlines to ensure flights operate according to approved schedules, some flights may experience delays or cancellations. Therefore, all travelers are advised to check the latest updates through the airlines they fly to.”

Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport had urged all travellers to verify their flight details with airlines before heading to the airport. A similar advisory was also passed by Sharjah Airport, warning of delays and cancellations due to the closures.

However, the travel chaos had begun to ease following the opening of the closed airspaces across Gulf countries.

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According to a Times of India report, flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport were the most affected, with 48 cancellations reported. National carrier Air India and low-cost airline IndiGo were the most affected. The impact was not limited to Delhi. Airports across India, including Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram, and Mangaluru, reported delays and cancellations due to airspace restrictions.

The situation had created a humanitarian challenge at various airports worldwide, as passengers were stranded in the airports for hours. It was deeply challenging for international travellers who were with limited validity visas.