Chennai: Rising tensions in the Middle East have caused significant disruptions in international air travel. Airspace over Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain has been closed, mainly due to Iran’s missile strikes on US military bases in Qatar. This has affected global flight routes and led to cancellations and delays.
11 Flights Canceled at Chennai Airport
As a direct result, Chennai International Airport saw the cancellation of 11 international flights on Tuesday—six departures and five arrivals. Flights to Kuwait, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, and Doha operated by IndiGo and Qatar Airways were among the affected departures.
Grounding of Incoming Flights
Similarly, flights arriving from Doha, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi by Qatar Airways, IndiGo, and Air India Express were grounded. These disruptions reflect the broader impact of the airspace closures on international travel.
Additionally, three Qatar Airways flights from Thailand to Doha were forced to divert and land at Chennai around 2 a.m., after being denied entry into Qatari airspace. Flights to major destinations like London, Dubai, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Singapore are experiencing significant delays due to the restrictions.
Escalating Tensions and Aviation Alliances
The escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel, triggered by US airstrikes on Iranian targets, have heightened regional tensions. Iran’s missile attacks on American military sites in the Gulf prompted rapid airspace closures around the region.
Chennai Airport authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with airlines and regulators to mitigate disruption. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for updated flight information before heading to the airport, as further delays and cancellations are possible if tensions persist.