Israel–Iran Strike: Impact of Middle East War on Indian Air Traffic; Over 3,000 flights canceled and ticket prices over 9 lakhs

Israel–Iran Strike: Although the attacks by Israel and the US target Iran, they also have a direct impact on Indians. Over 3,000 flights have been canceled so far due to airspace closures and restrictions imposed in many places. This has significantly affected regional and international travel. More than 1,800 flights in and out of the region were canceled on Sunday. More than 1,400 flights have also been canceled on Monday. This has also affected India. Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet have together canceled flights on more than 630 routes.

IndiGo canceled 160 flights on March 2 due to airspace closures or restrictions imposed by several countries in the Middle East. Flights from India to Europe and America are also seen to be affected. Air India has also canceled some India-Europe and India-US flights on Monday due to disruption in air traffic. Long-haul international flights have also been affected by airspace traffic problems. A total of 8 countries have closed their airspace due to this crisis. These include Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan.

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20 flights from Kolkata were cancelled. According to officials, the cancellations include 4 incoming and 4 departing flights from Emirates, 2 incoming and 2 departing flights from Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways, 1 incoming and 1 departing flight from Air Arabia and 1 incoming and 1 departing flight from Flydubai. Apart from accommodation, other services are being provided to the affected passengers on these flights. But, a large number of travelers are worried about how they will get their refunds.

On Monday, fares of European airlines from London to Mumbai reached Rs 9 lakh per passenger. Economy class tickets were priced at Rs 2.9 lakh, while business class fares were seen to have gone up to Rs 9 lakh. Almost 700 flights were canceled on Monday. Such a situation is seen almost every day. Around 230 flights from Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi airports were canceled till Tuesday afternoon as well. Generally Mumbai to London or Delhi to London fares range between 20,000 to 40,000 and 50,000. Business class fares range from 1.2 lakhs to 2.5 lakhs. But this crisis has broken all records of ticket prices. Air India and IndiGo have also operated some flights with increased fares.

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Airlines claim that they have to fly from far away instead of the Gulf. Therefore, additional fuel is consumed. Therefore, the ticket prices have to be increased. However, this is not the only reason. With 700 flights being canceled every day, there is also a demand-supply gap and companies are taking advantage of it. A similar situation has been witnessed in Kolkata, where approximately 20 flights are being canceled every day. Meanwhile, Etihad and Emirates have announced that they will operate flights to bring people back from the Gulf countries.