Travel across West Asia is facing major disruption due to airspace closures and mass flight cancellations. In response, VFS Global has issued an advisory for visa applicants in the region, urging them to check for updates before visiting application centres.
In a post on X, VFS Global stated:
“Important update for our applicants in the Middle East. We remain fully aligned with local authorities’ directives to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our applicants, employees, and community. As guidelines may evolve, please visit www.vfsglobal.com
for the latest updates on service adjustments and important information before visiting your Visa Application Centre. Thank you for your understanding.”
The advisory comes amid widespread aviation disruptions triggered by escalating tensions in the region, with airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East significantly impacting flight operations.
MEA Issues Advisory
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also urged foreign nationals stranded in India due to the crisis to approach immigration authorities for assistance.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation reported that Indian airlines are expected to cancel 444 international flights on 1 March. In an X post, the ministry noted:
“Due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East, 410 flights of domestic carriers were cancelled on 28 February, and 444 flights are expected to be cancelled on 1 March.”
Air India confirmed 22 additional international cancellations for Sunday, bringing the total overseas flight cancellations to 50. Airports across India reported passenger congestion as schedules shifted rapidly. At Chennai Airport, 18 international flights to Gulf countries were cancelled. Authorities advised passengers travelling overseas, especially via West Asian transit hubs, to check with airlines before heading to the airport.
Tiruchirappalli Airport reported that the Air India Express flight on the Dubai–Tiruchirappalli route on Sunday was cancelled and urged passengers to confirm flight status in advance.
International carriers, including Emirates, Etihad, IndiGo, and Gulf Air, have also cancelled services.
The disruption follows a major attack launched by the United States and Israel on Iran on Saturday, which prompted Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, intensifying the regional crisis and affecting travel, visa processing, and consular services across West Asia.
Prakash Raj Exit Rumours Surround Prabhas’ Spirit
Speculation continues to swirl around Prakash Raj and his reported exit from Spirit, the much-anticipated film starring Prabhas and directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga.
The rumours gained traction after a new poster featuring Vivek Oberoi was unveiled, with Prakash Raj neither appearing in the poster nor being tagged by the makers. This sparked talk in industry circles that he may no longer be part of the project. Earlier, Prakash Raj had stated that he had not yet begun shooting for the film, but recent gossip suggests there may be more to the story.
According to unconfirmed reports, the director allegedly requested the actor to avoid making political comments in public to prevent potential controversies from affecting the film. It is being speculated that since no such assurance was given, the makers might be considering a replacement. However, there has been no official confirmation from the team, and the production house has remained silent on the matter.
A source close to the development claims that Prakash Raj has been vocal in his criticism of the Prime Minister during public events. While critics accuse him of making provocative remarks, the actor has consistently defended his stance, stating that questioning authority is a citizen’s responsibility and that he will continue to speak out when he feels necessary.
Interestingly, despite past ideological differences and sharp exchanges, Pawan Kalyan has previously worked with Prakash Raj in films like Vakeel Saab and They Call Him OG. Director Harish Shankar recently pointed out that Pawan Kalyan clearly separates politics from cinema, emphasizing that professional commitments take precedence over personal differences. He noted that even during projects like Ustaad Bhagat Singh and OG, both actors maintained a strictly professional rapport on set.
Meanwhile, a senior producer offered another perspective, suggesting that with hundreds of crores riding on Spirit, the makers may simply be avoiding any potential risks or negative publicity.
Until an official statement is released, Prakash Raj’s association with Spirit remains uncertain, leaving fans and industry watchers eagerly awaiting clarity.