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.
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