Air India Cancels UAE, Qatar, Saudi, Israel Flights; US Services Rerouted via Rome

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If you are flying with Air India this week, double-check your booking.

Air India has extended the suspension of all flights to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Qatar until 11:59 pm IST on March 2, 2026. The decision comes as tensions across parts of the Middle East continue to affect airspace access and flight safety.

For travellers heading to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Tel Aviv, or cities in Saudi Arabia, this means no Air India departures or arrivals on these routes until at least that deadline.

Europe Flights Are Cancelled on March 2

The disruption is not limited to the Gulf. Air India has also cancelled select Europe-bound flights scheduled for March 2, along with their return sectors. Here is the full list:

  • AI117: Amritsar to Birmingham
  • AI151 / AI152: Delhi to Zurich and Zurich to Delhi
  • AI157 / AI158: Delhi to Copenhagen and Copenhagen to Delhi
  • AI114: Birmingham to Delhi

If you are booked on any of these flights, expect rebooking or refund options. Passengers are being contacted on their registered email IDs and phone numbers.

North America and Europe Flights Will Operate, But Expect Longer Travel Times

Here’s the part many long-haul travellers are watching closely. Flights to North America and most European cities are still operating. However, they are using alternative flight paths to avoid restricted Middle East airspace.

What this really means is longer journeys!

Some routes will take additional flying time due to detours. Travellers flying to the United States should note one more detail: services to New York JFK and Newark will include technical stops in Rome.

The halt will take place at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport

This is a fuel and operational stop, not a layover for passengers to exit the airport. Even so, it will extend the total travel time.

Why Air India Is Making These Changes

Air India says it is reviewing safety, security, airspace availability, and operational feasibility before finalising daily schedules.

In situations like this, airlines constantly assess NOTAMs, military advisories, and airspace closures. When corridors shrink, rerouting becomes complex and costly. Safety always comes first, even if it disrupts thousands of passengers.

For now, these changes apply to March 2. Further updates are expected depending on how the situation develops.

Free Rescheduling and Full Refund Option

Air India is offering full flexibility for passengers affected by the Middle East disruptions.

If you booked your ticket on or before 28 February 2026 for travel up to 5 March 2026, you can reschedule at no extra cost or request a full refund to your original payment method.

What Affected Passengers Should Do

If you are scheduled to travel:

  • Check your flight status directly on the airline’s website
  • Monitor SMS and email notifications
  • Contact customer support if you need rebooking or a refund
  • Avoid heading to the airport without confirmation

This is a fast-moving situation. Routes can change again if more airspace restrictions are introduced.

For long-haul flyers, especially those connecting onward from Delhi or Amritsar, allow extra buffer time in your travel plans over the coming days.

Air India says it regrets the inconvenience. For now, travellers should prepare for schedule changes, longer flying times, and possible last-minute updates as the Middle East airspace situation evolves.

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