Amritsar, March 2: Ten international flights from Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport faced cancellations and significant route changes on Sunday as military escalations between Iran and Israel prompted widespread airspace closures. Travelers heading to major Gulf hubs including Dubai, Sharjah, Muscat, and Doha found themselves stranded after authorities in the Middle East restricted flight paths following joint military strikes in the region.
Aviation officials in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iran, and Iraq implemented these safety measures as a precaution against the evolving security situation. The restrictions led to a ripple effect in Amritsar, where carriers like Air India, Qatar Airways, and Emirates were forced to halt or redirect their scheduled services.
Air India confirmed it had suspended specific routes to prioritize the safety of its passengers and flight teams. “In view of the evolving situation and prioritizing passenger and crew safety, we have cancelled select flights scheduled for March 1, including the Amritsar–London service,” the airline declared in an operational statement.
The disruption extended to low-cost carriers as well, with flights operated by IndiGo, Air India Express, and SpiceJet either returning to their origin or being diverted mid-flight. One SpiceJet aircraft was redirected to Ahmedabad as airspace ahead became inaccessible. Qatar Airways maintained that its operations would remain on hold until local civil aviation authorities confirmed it was safe to resume. “Services will resume once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirms the safe reopening of airspace,” the carrier asserted.
Airport management in Amritsar has increased security protocols in response to the regional volatility. Officials advised that travelers should maintain constant communication with their airlines for rebooking or refund information, as the operational status of future flights depends entirely on geopolitical developments.
