New Delhi, March 1: The ongoing escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict has resulted in widespread disruption of air travel, particularly as several Middle-Eastern countries closed their airspace. In India, the impact has been significant, with major airports experiencing large-scale flight cancellations.

At Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, 100 flights have been cancelled as of today. This includes 60 departing flights and 40 arriving flights, according to airport sources. Similarly, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai has also faced severe disruption, with 125 flights cancelled. This includes 67 departures and 58 arrivals, as per reports from Mumbai airport authorities.

Other airports in India are also experiencing disruptions. At Tiruchirappalli International Airport, 17 arrivals and 16 departures have been cancelled for March 1, with further cancellations for March 2, including 3 arrivals and 2 departures. Air India Express, citing airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East, has cancelled more than 110 flights.

International carriers have also been affected. Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, effective until 1500hrs UAE time on March 2. Similarly, flight operations at Hamad International Airport in Doha are suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. SriLankan Airlines has cancelled 12 flights, with similar disruptions due to regional airspace closures.

The aviation chaos comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, following joint missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Explosions have been reported in Tehran and other key Iranian cities, with Iranian state media claiming that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes. This has led to national mourning in Iran, with flags lowered to half-mast and public gatherings organized to honor Khamenei's legacy, marking the end of a 37-year era of defiance against Western influence.