Chandigarh, Feb 28 (UNI) The escalating military conflict between Israel and Iran has significantly disrupted international air travel in Punjab and Chandigarh, with several flights to Dubai and the UAE being cancelled.
The deteriorating situation in the Middle East and the subsequent temporary closure of key airspaces have left hundreds of passengers stranded at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar and Chandigarh International Airport.
Following joint military actions by the US and Israel against Iran, air traffic corridors over the Middle East have faced severe restrictions. This has directly impacted flight schedules to and from destinations such as Dubai and Sharjah. Since Saturday, chaotic scenes were witnessed at Amritsar airport as passengers, many of whom were unaware of the sudden cancellations, faced prolonged delays and a lack of immediate information regarding their travel alternatives.
Amritsar Airport Director Bhupinder Singh confirmed that four major international operations were affected due to the crisis. An IndiGo Airlines flight from Sharjah to Amritsar, scheduled for Saturday night, was cancelled, as was an Air India Express flight to Dubai that was slated for departure at 1:15 am. Additionally, a SpiceJet flight to Dubai, scheduled for 7:50 am on Sunday, was also grounded.
The airport administration has stated that they are taking all necessary steps to assist the affected travelers. Officials maintained that they are providing constant updates through official social media platforms and communication channels to minimize confusion.
The disruption was also felt at Chandigarh International Airport, where a prominent flight to Dubai, scheduled for 4:50 pm on Saturday, was cancelled. While domestic flight operations remained largely normal, the international sector saw immediate impact as tensions rose in Qatar, the UAE, and surrounding regions.
According to aviation industry sources, several international carriers are currently rerouting their flights to avoid conflict zones, leading to significant delays and extended travel times. Experts suggest that as long as the instability in the Middle East persists, the possibility of further cancellations or delays remains high.
Airlines and airport authorities have issued a formal advisory to all international passengers, urging them to verify their flight status with their respective carriers before departing for the airport.
