Flight Frenzy: Airlines Reshuffle Routes as Iran-US Conflict Disrupts Middle East Aviation Network

Escalating security tensions across West Asia are beginning to reshape international aviation routes, forcing airlines to suspend services, limit operations, and arrange special flights. While some carriers have halted key routes, others are expanding services or coordinating with authorities to help stranded passengers reach their destinations safely.

Why has Air Canada suspended its Toronto–Dubai flights?

Air Canada has suspended all flights between Toronto and Dubai until at least May 1 due to the deteriorating security situation in West Asia.

The airline announced the move in a statement on social media, saying, "Due to unrest in the Middle East, our Toronto-Dubai flights are cancelled until at least May 1. We plan to reintroduce service gradually when flights can safely resume. We continue to add capacity to Delhi to provide travellers with options to Canada."

As part of its response to the disruption, the airline is expanding capacity to Delhi to provide alternative travel options for passengers heading to Canada.

How are Indian airlines responding to the disruption?

Despite the regional tensions, Air India and Air India Express continue to maintain a significant operational presence in West Asia.

The airlines announced that they would operate 80 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the region on March 14.

Scheduled operations include flights to and from Jeddah and Muscat. Air India is operating a total of 10 flights to and from Jeddah, including one round-trip from Delhi and two round-trips from Mumbai. Air India Express is running flights from Kozhikode and Mangaluru to Jeddah and back.

Air India Express is also maintaining its Muscat services, operating round trips from Delhi, Kochi, Kozhikode and Mumbai.

In addition to scheduled flights, the two airlines plan to operate 62 non-scheduled flights to and from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, subject to slot availability and prevailing operational conditions.

The airline group said passengers affected by temporary suspensions can reschedule or seek refunds.

"Guests booked to travel on any of the routes where Air India group's scheduled services remain temporarily suspended may conveniently rebook to a future date at no additional charge or opt for a full refund," the release said.

The airline also noted that passengers can request rebooking or cancellations through its website.

"Air India and Air India Express are proactively reaching out to impacted guests using the mobile numbers registered with the airline to provide rebooking options. Guests are requested to ensure their current and active mobile numbers are updated with the airline to receive these important notifications," the release stated.

The group added that it is exploring opportunities to operate additional ad-hoc flights to and from West Asian destinations.

What is happening to Indian travellers in Qatar?

Amid restricted airspace conditions, nearly 500 Indian nationals have departed Qatar on flights operated by Qatar Airways, according to the Indian Embassy in Doha.

Passengers travelled to Kochi and other global destinations as part of the limited operations currently available.

The embassy noted that Qatar’s airspace remains only partially open, resulting in reduced flight operations by the airline.

"One flight to Mumbai is planned for operations by Qatar Airways on March 14," the advisory said.

The airline also facilitated the transportation of the mortal remains of two Indian nationals who died of natural causes, along with their accompanying family members, to Kochi on humanitarian grounds.

The Indian ambassador to Qatar, Vipul, held a virtual meeting with community organisations to brief them on steps taken by the embassy to ensure the safety and welfare of Indians in the country. Around 100 community members attended the session.

Members of the Indian community expressed appreciation for the support of Qatari authorities and reiterated that Qatar remains their "second home".

The embassy added that emergency travel issues can be reported through its helplines or via community organisations such as the Indian Cultural Centre and the Indian Community Benevolent Forum.

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has confirmed that the situation in the country remains stable and that essential services continue to operate normally, with authorities closely monitoring developments.

What is causing the disruption to flights?

The aviation disruptions follow a rapidly escalating security crisis in West Asia triggered by Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting US military bases, embassies and civilian infrastructure across the Gulf region.

Several countries—including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan—have been affected by the heightened tensions.

The conflict has also disrupted global energy supply routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply transits.

(With inputs from ANI)