Air India Suspends All Middle East Flights Amid Escalating Regional Tensions

New Delhi, Feb 2026 : National carrier Air India on Saturday announced the suspension of all its flights to destinations across the Middle East, citing the rapidly evolving security situation in the region. The decision comes amid a sharp escalation in hostilities after the United States and Israel launched what they described as “major combat operations” against Iran, triggering heightened tensions across the Middle East.

In an official statement, Air India said the move was taken purely in the interest of passenger and crew safety. “In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended,” the airline said, without specifying how long the suspension would remain in effect.

Reiterating its focus on safety, the airline added that it continues to closely monitor the situation. “We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for our passengers and crew. We will continue to assess the safety and security environment for our flight operations and adjust operations proactively as required,” the statement said. Air India also assured that its ground and customer support teams are providing all necessary assistance to affected passengers during the disruption.

Passengers have been advised to regularly check the status of their flights through Air India’s official website and to contact the airline’s 24×7 customer care services for updates and assistance. The airline urged travellers to remain patient and understanding as the situation continues to evolve.

The suspension follows coordinated military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran earlier on Saturday, a development that has significantly intensified geopolitical uncertainty in the region. Analysts have warned that the conflict could widen further, with serious implications for regional stability, global energy markets, and international air travel.

Meanwhile, low-cost carrier Air India Express, a subsidiary of the Air India group, also announced the suspension of its westbound international flights in light of the unfolding situation in the Gulf region. A spokesperson for the airline said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure safety.

“The safety and security of our guests and crew remain our highest priority. We continue to closely monitor the evolving situation and will proactively review and adjust our operations as necessary,” the spokesperson said. The airline added that affected passengers are being informed directly through their registered contact details.

Air India Express advised guests to check flight updates on its official website and ensure that their contact information is up to date. Passengers seeking changes or cancellations have been directed to the ‘Manage Booking’ section online, where applicable waivers for impacted flights are being provided.

As tensions continue to rise, aviation authorities and airlines are expected to remain on high alert, with further operational adjustments likely if the security situation deteriorates further.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)