Travel Alert: Airlines Offer Refunds, Free Rescheduling As West Asia War Disrupts Flights

Last Updated:March 04, 2026, 20:47 IST

Passengers can rebook flights free of charge or seek refunds as airlines issue travel advisories amid airspace disruptions across West Asia.

Airlines across the world have begun suspending flights, issuing travel advisories and offering refunds as the escalating conflict in West Asia disrupts airspace and international flight operations.

Several carriers have warned passengers of delays, cancellations and operational changes after the Israel-US conflict with Iran triggered widespread airspace restrictions across parts of West Asia.

Gulf Air said passengers holding tickets with travel dates up to March 10, 2026 can rebook their flights free of charge on Gulf Air-operated services until March 31. The airline also said passengers scheduled to travel on flights up to March 10 may request a full refund.

Similarly, Air India said it is offering complimentary rescheduling or full refunds for confirmed bookings made on or before February 28, 2026 for travel to and from the Middle East, the UK and Europe up to March 10.

The airline said the advisory was issued due to the “continuing situation in the Middle East impacting flight operations" and urged passengers to regularly check their flight status.

IndiGo said it has begun operating flights to several affected destinations including Athens, Muscat, Jeddah and Madinah, along with select repatriation flights to the United Arab Emirates, as it gradually restores connectivity on routes disrupted by the regional conflict.

The airline said it may increase the frequency of repatriation flights to the UAE depending on approvals from authorities.

IndiGo also advised passengers not to travel to airports unless they receive confirmation about their flights.

Meanwhile, some international carriers are adjusting operations to accommodate shifting travel patterns.

Air Canada said it will increase capacity on certain routes from March 7 to March 21, adding an extra daily flight on its Toronto–Delhi route and deploying larger aircraft on select Toronto–London–Mumbai flights to provide alternative travel options.

Elsewhere in the region, airlines in the Gulf have suspended or limited operations due to airspace restrictions.

Air Arabia said flights to and from the United Arab Emirates remain temporarily suspended until 15:00 UAE time on March 9, although a limited number of services may operate depending on safety approvals.

Etihad Airways said its scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended until 06:00 UAE time on March 6, though some cargo, repatriation and repositioning flights are continuing in coordination with authorities.

Meanwhile, Qatar Airways said its flight operations remain suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace, adding that services will resume once the country’s civil aviation authority declares the skies safe.

Airlines have urged passengers to closely monitor official updates and ensure their contact details are updated with carriers as the situation continues to evolve.

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