Escalating tensions across West Asia have begun disrupting aviation, hospitality, and cross-border mobility, with flight cancellations, airspace closures, and emergency advisories impacting thousands of travellers. TRAVTALK tracks verified developments affecting airlines, hotels, tour operators, and travel trade stakeholders across the region.
This live tracker covers confirmed developments directly impacting the travel and tourism industry, including airline operations, airspace restrictions, government advisories, hospitality measures, and traveller movement across West Asia and key outbound markets. Updates are listed in reverse chronological order.
Monday, 9 March 2026 | 2:44 pmÂ
Air India to operate 32 special UAE flights
Air India and Air India Express will operate a total of 32 additional non-scheduled flights between the United Arab Emirates and India to assist travellers affected by disruptions linked to the West Asia crisis. The flights will connect Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al-Khaimah with multiple Indian cities. Both carriers will also continue scheduled services to Jeddah and Muscat, subject to airspace availability and regulatory permissions, as airlines work to facilitate passenger movement and bring stranded travellers back to India.
Friday, 6 March 2026 | 5:17 pmÂ
MEA sets up control room for travellers
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has established a special control room to assist Indian nationals affected by the West Asia crisis and related travel disruptions. Operational from 9 am to 5 pm, the facility provides support through dedicated helpline numbers. The ministry has also released emergency contact details for Indian embassies across the region to assist travellers facing flight cancellations, airspace restrictions, or other travel-related challenges.
Monday, 2 March 2026 | 4:30 pm
Emirates suspends operations until 3 March
Emirates has temporarily suspended all flight operations to and from Dubai until 3 pm UAE time on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, following multiple regional airspace closures. Passengers holding tickets for travel up to 5 March may rebook without charge for travel until 20 March within the same region and cabin class. Refunds on unused flight coupons are permitted, and cancellation charges have been waived, offering operational relief to trade partners managing re-accommodation.
Monday, 2 March 2026 | 10:04 amÂ
India offers visa relief to stranded foreigners
Amid widespread flight cancellations linked to the West Asia crisis, India has offered visa relief to foreign nationals stranded in the country. The Ministry of External Affairs has advised affected travellers to approach the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office for visa extensions or regularisation of stay. Hundreds of flights to and from West Asia have been disrupted, with Indian carriers cancelling overseas services due to airspace restrictions, impacting inbound movement and international itineraries.
Monday, 2 March 2026 | 9:34 am
MEA asks foreign nationals in India to approach FRRO
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has advised foreign nationals in India affected by the West Asia security situation to approach the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office for visa extensions or stay regularisation. The advisory follows widespread airspace closures and operational uncertainties across the region. The move aims to prevent visa overstays due to disrupted flights and delayed departures, directly impacting inbound travel management and immigration compliance.
Monday, 2 March 2026 | 8:15 am
Nearly 2,000 flights cancelled amid widening crisis
Air travel across West Asia remains severely disrupted, with almost 2,000 flights cancelled in a single day. Around 1,600 cancellations were reported between the UAE and Israel, while Indian carriers IndiGo and Air India cancelled over 150 services. Several airlines have suspended operations until further notice, affecting connectivity between India, Europe, North America, and the Gulf, and creating operational challenges for tour operators and consolidators.
Sunday, 1 March 2026 | 5:00 pm
UAE airlines suspend services; airspace restrictions continue
Major UAE carriers, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia, suspended select operations following regional airspace closures. Dubai International Airport and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi reported significant disruption. Authorities continue to review safety conditions. Extended suspensions are creating rebooking pressure across global distribution systems and affecting onward connections through major Gulf hubs.
Sunday, 1 March 2026 | 3:48 pm
Abu Dhabi orders free hotel stay extensions
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism instructed hotels to extend stays free of charge for guests unable to depart due to flight cancellations. Additional room costs will be invoiced to the department. The directive aims to support stranded travellers and ease pressure on hospitality operators. The move is expected to stabilise short-term accommodation demand while preventing price surges during the disruption.
Friday, 28 February 2026 | 10:37 pm
India advises nationals in UAE to avoid unnecessary travel
The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi advised Indian nationals in the UAE to avoid unnecessary travel and remain vigilant. The advisory follows escalating regional tensions and airspace uncertainty. Consular services remain operational, and emergency contact channels have been activated. The development may influence outbound leisure movement and corporate travel from the Gulf market in the short term.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.
