Hundreds of flights cancelled, passengers stranded at Delhi’s IGI airport amid escalated Israel-Iran conflict

NEW DELHI: Several passengers were stranded at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport following multiple flight disruptions and cancellations triggered by the evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East.The disruption comes in the wake of extensive airspace closures across parts of the Middle East, impacting international flight operations.One of the stranded passengers at IGI airport voiced his frustration over repeated delays and cancellations, saying he had been waiting for 14 hours without any update on his flight."I was supposed to fly to Saudi from Delhi, but my flight was cancelled. We have been waiting for 14 hours, but we have not heard anything yet. It is becoming very difficult," said the passenger. The delays and cancellations follow heightened tensions in the Middle East after coordinated military strikes involving Israel and the United States targeting sites in Iran.Earlier, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said that 444 flights are likely to be cancelled on Sunday as well.In a post on X, the MoCA said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is closely coordinating with all concerned airlines to ensure passenger safety and adherence to operational norms."Due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East, 410 flights of domestic carriers were cancelled on 28 February, and 444 flights are expected to be cancelled on 1 March. DGCA is maintaining close coordination with airlines to ensure full compliance with safety and operational regulations..." the post read.