Air India will operate 78 additional international flights between March 10 and March 18, 2026, after airspace closures across parts of West Asia due to the ongoing conflict caused cancellation of flights from India. The airline said the extra services will add around 17,660 seats across nine international routes as carriers comply with aviation safety rules that prohibit flights through restricted or unsafe airspace.
Over 100 flights operated by Indian airlines were affected after several countries in the region restricted access to their skies following escalating tensions involving Iran. The closures forced airlines to reroute aircraft on longer paths, leading to cancellations, delays, and higher operational costs.
Under international aviation regulations overseen by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), airlines must avoid conflict zones and restricted airspace when safety risks arise. Civil aviation authorities can also issue advisories or temporary closures requiring carriers to modify flight paths or suspend services.
Air India said the additional flights will operate on routes linking India with major global hubs including New York, London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Zurich, and Paris, as well as regional destinations such as Colombo in Sri Lanka and Malé in the Maldives. Most of the flights will operate via the airline’s hub in Delhi.
Long-haul routes to Europe and North America will be served mainly by wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and the Boeing 777-300ER, while regional services to Colombo and Malé will use the Airbus A320neo.
The disruptions have also triggered passenger protection measures. Indian airlines including IndiGo offered fee waivers and flexible rebooking options after thousands of travellers were stranded due to cancellations. Passenger refunds, rescheduling, and compensation policies are generally governed by Directorate General of Civil Aviation guidelines monitored by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (India).
Airlines are also required to obtain operational approvals when adding extra services or modifying schedules, particularly on international routes. Air India said the additional flights are subject to regulatory clearances and ongoing monitoring of the regional security situation.