Several passengers have been stranded at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport since February 28, after multiple airlines cancelled flights to Gulf and Middle East destinations. The flight cancellations come after the tensions escalated in the Middle East. With airspace restrictions and government advisories, several airlines suspended their operations on important international routes. This has led to passengers facing long delays, uncertainty and financial stress. Several passengers said that, as they are stranded, they are getting food from outside the airport and staying at the airport. They stated that no clarity was given to them about the rescheduled departures.
A passenger told news agency IANS, “My flight to Dubai was on February 28. We have been here since February 28, as our flight got cancelled. They are saying that an update will be shared with us on March 2. We are getting our food and drinks from outside and eating. We are staying at the airport itself. We have come from very far to Mumbai to catch this flight, hence we have no place to sleep, charge our phones, and we are getting food from outside.”
Departures were affected across several airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, Etihad Airways, Akasa Air, Emirates and Qatar Airways. Many migrant workers are travelling to Gulf Countries for their jobs and employment opportunities, foreign tourists returning home, and NRIs heading back to their families, and corporate people heading there for a meeting are stuck at the airport since February 28.
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Airlines Suspend Middle East Flights Amid Escalating ConflictAir India has announced the suspension of all flights to and via the Middle East until further notice. IndiGo reported that over 200 of its flights have been cancelled through March 3, advising passengers to consult its website for the most up-to-date cancellation information.
Conflict Intensifies on Third DayThe disruptions come as tensions in the Middle East escalated into a third consecutive day on Monday. Late Sunday night, new explosions were reported in Tehran, with Israel claiming its strikes hit central targets in the Iranian capital. In response, Iran launched missiles and drones toward Israel, US military bases in the Gulf, as well as Riyadh and Dubai, expanding the conflict’s reach.
Travel Chaos Expected at Mumbai AirportWith the situation still highly volatile, airlines and authorities are closely monitoring developments. Passengers at Mumbai airport are facing the possibility of extended delays and additional flight cancellations as the region’s security situation remains uncertain.