Bhubaneswar: Low-cost carrier IndiGo has cancelled its Monday flight from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar to Dubai amid heightened tensions and turmoil in West Asia following recent military exchanges between Iran, Israel, and the United States.
The airline announced the cancellation on Sunday, a day in advance, affecting at least 120 passengers booked on the service. The Bhubaneswar-Dubai route operates three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. “The Friday flight proceeded normally before the situation deteriorated, but Monday’s service was scrapped due to escalated risks in Dubai and surrounding areas,” TOI reported, quoting BPIA Director Prasanna Pradhan.
The airline is yet to decide on the upcoming Wednesday flight, with an IndiGo official describing the situation as “fluid” and under close monitoring. Passengers will receive automatic refunds for the cancelled booking, as the decision was communicated well ahead of departure. However, concerns are mounting among travellers that the disruption could extend further.
Check IndiGo’s Message
“We continue to observe developments across parts of the Middle East and surrounding regions with utmost attentiveness. We understand that this period may feel uncertain, and we want to reassure you that every decision is being taken with care and prudence. In view of the prevailing situation, the temporary suspension of select international flights that use Middle East airspace, has been extended until 2nd March 2026, 2359 hrs IST.
Please refer to the list of cancelled flights on our website goindigo.in/information/fl. This extension is a precautionary measure to ensure that we uphold the highest standards of safety for our customers and crew. We recognise that changes to travel plans can cause inconvenience.
Customers whose bookings are impacted may opt for alternate flight options or claim a full refund via t.co/9VuwyhxE9G. In our continued effort to stand by you during this time, we are extending full flexibility and waivers for travel to and from the Middle East, along with other impacted international sectors, until 7th March 2026, for bookings made on or before 28th February 2026. Customers may opt for a full refund or reschedule at no additional cost.
Any further changes will be duly communicated through your registered contact details. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this carefully and remain available to support you in any way we can.”
This comes against the backdrop of broader regional instability, which has triggered massive disruptions in global aviation, particularly affecting routes to and from West Asia.
Joint U.-Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials, prompting Iranian retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region. These included strikes on Israel and on Gulf cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Manama. Explosions rocked key infrastructure, including airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, leading to airspace closures, flight suspensions, and widespread travel chaos. Reports also indicate damage to civilian sites like ports and hotels in Dubai, with multiple casualties across the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
