Chennai — Flight operations between Chennai International Airport and several Gulf destinations continued to face significant disruption for a third straight day on Monday as regional airspace closures tied to escalating Middle East tensions forced airlines to cancel dozens of services. According to local airport authorities, a total of 30 flights — including 14 arrivals and 16 departures to key Gulf hubs such as Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Bahrain and Kuwait — were cancelled, with carriers including Emirates, Etihad, Air India, IndiGo and Air Arabia suspending many services amid the unpredictable situation.
The cancellations stem from extended airspace closures across the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Gulf, a response to ongoing hostilities involving Iran, the U.S. and Israel that have disrupted a key global aviation corridor. Airlines have cited safety concerns and regulatory restrictions when announcing suspended operations, leaving thousands of travellers stranded or forced to seek alternate routes via Africa or longer connecting flights.
Passengers at Chennai Airport reported crowded terminals and uncertainty as they await updates from airlines on rebooking and refund options, while tour operators work to accommodate extended stays for those unable to depart. Aviation officials have advised travellers bound for Gulf destinations to check flight statuses directly with carriers ahead of travel as the situation remains fluid and subject to further changes.
The disruptions highlight the far-reaching impact of the regional crisis on global air travel, especially on routes linking South Asia to the Middle East as reported.
