Airlines run special flights to rescue passengers stranded by airspace closure
After major airspace closures in West Asia left about 60,000 passengers stranded, airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air are now running special flights to get people home.
The disruption started when US-Israel strikes killed Iran's top leader on February 28, 2026, sparking missile attacks and a wave of flight cancelations.
Air India and IndiGo's efforts
Air India has restarted trips to Europe, Canada, and the UK but is still holding off on UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Qatar until midnight tonight. They've also added relief flights from Dubai and Jeddah.
IndiGo managed to run four relief flights from Jeddah to Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad after working closely with the Indian consulate.
Other airlines join the fray
Akasa Air announced it would operate special Mumbai-Jeddah and Ahmedabad-Jeddah routes on March 3-4, 2026.
Air India Express is back on Muscat-Delhi and Kochi routes; Emirates and Etihad have helped too.
For updates or help with refunds or rescheduling (especially if you booked before Feb 28, 2026), check airindia.com or call +911169329333—state helplines are open as well.