Hyderabad, 28 February (H.S.): Flight operations at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport were disrupted on Saturday following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran and subsequent retaliation across parts of West Asia, leading to airspace restrictions in the region.
Airport authorities confirmed that a total of 44 flights were cancelled during the day, including 23 departures from Hyderabad and 21 arriving services. Several other flights were delayed or rescheduled as airlines reviewed routes passing through Gulf airspace amid the escalating security situation.
Services connecting Hyderabad with key West Asian transit hubs were among the most affected. Flights to destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat, Kuwait, Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah and Sharjah witnessed cancellations or schedule changes as carriers responded to safety advisories and regional airspace curbs.
Airlines operating long-haul services to Europe and North America via Gulf hubs were also impacted, creating uncertainty for passengers with onward international connections. While some airlines cancelled services, others delayed departures pending clarity on airspace access.
Passengers were seen at airline counters seeking information on rescheduling and refund options. Airlines reported a surge in enquiries at airport help desks and through digital platforms from travellers concerned about possible disruptions.
Airport authorities advised passengers to check the status of their flights directly with their respective airlines before proceeding to the airport. In a statement, RGIA said that due to the evolving situation in the Gulf and associated airspace restrictions, certain international flights may be subject to delays, rescheduling or changes in operating times.
With regional tensions continuing, further adjustments to flight schedules remain possible depending on developments in West Asian airspace.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
