Air travel between India and Western destinations has been severely disrupted after missile strikes in the Gulf region led to the closure of Dubai’s main airports. The suspension of operations at one of the world’s busiest transit hubs has triggered a sharp surge in non-stop flight fares from India to Europe and North America, leaving thousands of passengers scrambling for limited seats.

Following missile attacks by Iran in parts of the Gulf, authorities in the United Arab Emirates temporarily shut down operations at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. The move has disrupted global aviation networks, as Dubai is widely regarded as the world’s busiest international transit airport.

Indian Travellers Face Major Disruptions

Indian passengers are among the worst affected. A large number of travellers typically rely on one-stop connections through Gulf hubs due to lower fares and better seat availability. With Dubai’s operations suspended, this transit model has been significantly disrupted.

As a result, demand for direct non-stop flights from Indian cities to Europe and North America has surged dramatically. Limited seat capacity has pushed ticket prices to record highs, particularly for immediate departures.

Delhi–London Fares More Than Double

Airfares on key international routes have spiked sharply. For March 2, 2026, an economy-class ticket on a non-stop flight from Delhi to London Heathrow operated by Air India was priced at ₹1,56,500 on Saturday—more than double its usual fare.

On the same date and route, an economy-class ticket with Virgin Atlantic was selling for ₹2,31,000. These prices are approaching levels typically associated with business-class tickets on the route.

In contrast, flights scheduled a few days later were priced significantly lower, with economy fares ranging between ₹50,000 and ₹80,000. This indicates that the surge is being driven primarily by urgent travel demand and immediate capacity constraints.

Premium Cabin Prices Also Surge

The spike is not limited to economy class. Premium cabin fares have also risen steeply. For March 2 departures from Mumbai to London Heathrow, a first-class ticket on Air India was priced at ₹6,11,000—far above its usual average of around ₹4,00,000.

Aviation industry experts say ticket prices remain volatile and could increase further depending on how airspace restrictions evolve in the coming days. Airlines are closely monitoring developments in the region, and pricing may continue to fluctuate based on operational changes and safety advisories.

"2855" data-end="3198">The disruption follows a sharp escalation in hostilities in the Middle East. On February 28, 2026, Israel and the United States reportedly launched airstrikes against Iran. Within hours, Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and other locations across the region.

The intensifying conflict has raised concerns about regional airspace safety, prompting airlines to reroute or cancel flights passing through affected zones.

Flight Cancellations Add to Uncertainty

Late on February 28, Air India announced the cancellation of 11 international flights departing from Delhi, Mumbai, and Amritsar to destinations including London, New York, Newark, Chicago, Vienna, and Frankfurt. Several of these routes typically pass through Middle Eastern airspace.

There is currently no confirmed timeline for the lifting of airspace restrictions, adding further uncertainty for passengers.

Meanwhile, Gulf-based carriers were still offering one-stop connections via alternative hubs for March 2 departures from India to Europe. Airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, and Saudia continued limited operations, though availability remained tight.

What Travellers Should Know

Passengers planning immediate travel to Europe or North America are advised to check airline advisories regularly, consider flexible dates, and prepare for potential rerouting. Travel experts recommend booking refundable tickets where possible, given the rapidly evolving situation.

With Dubai’s shutdown affecting global connectivity, the aviation sector is facing renewed turbulence. If regional tensions persist, airfares and schedules could remain unstable in the near term, impacting international travel plans worldwide.