Middle East conflict continues to disrupt flights to Gulf region
New Delhi: Airline operations to the Gulf region remain affected despite the resumption of services at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport late last week, with several flights cancelled following an escalation in the Middle East conflict triggered by Houthi missile and drone attacks.
Airlines have reduced or suspended services because of security concerns, disrupting travel plans for Indian passengers flying to the Gulf and onward to Western countries.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its advisory cautioning airlines against flying over parts of the Gulf, including waters around the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar, until at least November 16.
The advisory applies to EU carriers as well as non-EU airlines authorised to operate flights to, from or within the European Union.
“The possible use of missiles, drones, combat aircraft and air-defence systems creates a high risk to civil flights at all altitudes and flight levels within the concerned airspace,” the agency said.
Following the warning, several international airlines have suspended services to affected countries or rerouted flights to avoid Iranian, Iraqi, Israeli and Gulf airspace.
Air India and Air India Express have suspended flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam until October 24. The Tata Group airlines said they were monitoring the situation before deciding on resuming operations.
Low-cost carrier IndiGo has also cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until October 24.
Akasa Air has suspended flights to Riyadh until October 24 and services to Jeddah until October 21.
Passengers affected by the cancellations have been advised to check the latest airline advisories for refund and rebooking options. Those travelling to Saudi Arabia have been asked to verify their flight status before leaving for the airport, as the suspensions may affect both outbound and return journeys.
(Inputs from IANS)