Middle East crisis grounds all int’l flights from Chandigarh

Chandigarh: All international flight operations from Chandigarh International Airport have been suspended due to escalating tensions and reported attacks in parts of the Middle East. The suspension immediately impacted the two scheduled international services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, both of which were called off. Airport authorities said the decision followed a review of the deteriorating security situation in the region, prompting airlines to assess operational risks.
IndiGo, which operates both routes, announced the withdrawal of its flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi from Chandigarh with immediate effect. Airport CEO Ajay Kumar said the suspension was a precautionary measure. He noted that IndiGo had halted operations to the affected destinations after a "war-like situation" emerged in the Middle East.The sudden suspension left many passengers uncertain about their travel plans. Some received cancellation notifications from the airline, while others learned about the suspension through travel agents or by checking flight status online. Unofficial airline sources indicated that affected passengers would receive refunds for the days on which flights remain cancelled, although no specific resumption date has been announced. The restoration of services will depend on developments in the Middle East and advisories from aviation and security authorities.The Chandigarh-Dubai and Chandigarh-Abu Dhabi routes are among the busiest international sectors from the airport, catering to business travellers, expatriates and tourists. The suspension is expected to inconvenience passengers holding onward connections from the UAE. Airport officials said they are monitoring the situation and remain in close coordination with airlines and civil aviation authorities. Domestic flight operations remain normal.BOX: Passengers Taken Aback —Airport CEO Ajay Kumar says suspension is a precautionary measure amid a "war-like situation"—Passengers caught off guard; many learned of cancellations through notifications or travel agents —Unofficial airline sources say full refunds likely for cancelled dates; no timeline for resumption —Suspended routes are among Chandigarh's busiest international sectors —Suspension expected to inconvenience travellers with onward UAE connections —Airport officials monitoring the situation in coordination with airlines and civil aviation authorities.Domestic flights remain unaffected.Flights Affected—Chandigarh-Dubai—Chandigarh-Abu Dhabi—Operated by: IndiGo—Status: Suspended until further noticeBOXWhat Passengers Should Know—Full refunds likely for cancelled travel dates—No clarity yet on resumption timeline—Passengers advised to check flight status before heading to the airport—Domestic flights operating normallyBOX: Reason for Suspension—Escalating conflict and security concerns in parts of the Middle East—Airline review of operational safety—Preventive withdrawal of servicesMSID:: 128917671 413 |