Around 1,600 Indian nationals travelled to India on five Qatar Airways flights on Tuesday (File Photo) The ongoing Iran war, which began after joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Tehran on February 28, has disrupted global air travel, with airlines suspending flights, rerouting aircraft and adjusting schedules as large parts of the Middle East airspace remain restricted or closed. Passengers travelling to or from the Gulf region are facing delays, cancellations and longer flight durations as carriers take alternate routes to avoid conflict zones. Follow this copy for the latest updates on flight cancellations, diversions, airline advisories, and airport operations on March 18 amid the escalating Iran war. Also Read | Big Relief For Flyers: Indian Government Caps Seat Selection Fees, Orders Airlines to Offer 60% Seats Free Akasa Air has announced a gradual restoration of its flight services to the Middle East following ongoing safety assessments. As of March 18, 2026, flights to and from Riyadh and Mumbai have resumed, while services continue to operate between Jeddah and several Indian cities including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kochi, and Kozhikode. The airline noted that all operations remain subject to change depending on real-time safety evaluations and the evolving regional situation. However, flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Kuwait remain suspended until March 21, 2026. To support affected passengers, Akasa Air has extended its waiver policy on cancellation and rescheduling charges until March 31, 2026, offering full refunds or free rebooking. Travelers are advised to check flight status before heading to the airport and contact the airline’s support center if needed, as the airline continues to monitor developments closely while prioritising passenger and crew safety. The mission noted that Qatar's airspace remains largely closed and Qatar Airways is currently operating only limited, non-scheduled flights. The airline has announced services to nine Indian destinations starting Wednesday as part of a limited flight schedule to and from Doha between March 18 and 28, 2026. In a statement, the airline said parts of its operations remain suspended but added that it is working to support affected passengers and facilitate their travel. It noted that normal services will resume once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirms the full reopening of the country’s airspace. Qatar Airways also cautioned that schedules may change or be cancelled depending on operational, regulatory or safety conditions. For passengers booked between February 28 and March 28, the airline is offering flexible options, including up to two free date changes until April 30, 2026, or a full refund of the unused ticket value. The operation of these flights is based on the prevailing situation and our ongoing safety assessment and may be subject to change. Sudhanshu Mishra is a Senior Copy Editor at Times Now. While his day-to-day work centres on news, his writing interests lie in the intersections of cu... View More