Air travel in Bengaluru faced major disruptions on March 11, 2026, after 21 flights were cancelled at Kempegowda International Airport due to international airspace restrictions affecting routes to West Asia. Airport authorities confirmed that the cancellations included 11 incoming flights and 10 outgoing flights, causing inconvenience for hundreds of passengers.
According to officials from Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), the cancellations mainly affected flights connecting Bengaluru with major West Asian destinations such as Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, and Dammam. These routes are among the busiest international sectors for the airport because many business travelers and expatriate workers regularly travel between India and Gulf countries.
The disruption occurred after certain airspace corridors were temporarily restricted due to geopolitical tensions in the region. As airlines were forced to reroute flights through longer paths, operational costs and travel times increased significantly. In some cases, airlines decided to cancel services rather than operate flights on extended routes.
Airport authorities advised passengers to check their flight status with airlines before arriving at the airport to avoid unnecessary delays. Many airlines offered rescheduling options and refunds to affected travelers.
Despite the cancellations, airport officials stated that domestic flights and other international services continued to operate normally. Additional staff were deployed at the airport to assist passengers with ticket changes and travel information.
Kempegowda International Airport is one of India’s busiest aviation hubs, handling millions of passengers annually. Any disruption to international routes can have a ripple effect on business travel, tourism, and cargo operations.
Officials expect flight services to return to normal once airspace restrictions are lifted and airlines finalize alternative routing plans.
News as reported
