Aviation Alert: Etihad Airways Cancels Abu Dhabi Flights Amid Iran–Israel War

The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel is significantly affecting air travel across the Gulf region. Etihad Airways has suspended its flights from Abu Dhabi until 2 AM on March 2. While operations at Dubai International Airport may still be partially functional, several flights across the region are facing delays and cancellations. Flights departing from Delhi to multiple international destinations have also been canceled or rerouted. The situation is particularly challenging for Indian carriers because Pakistani airspace remains closed, forcing flights to Europe, Central Asia, and Russia to rely heavily on Iranian or Gulf air routes. With the current conflict turning large parts of the Gulf into a high-risk zone, these routes are now severely restricted. India’s Civil Aviation Ministry held an urgent meeting with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and airline officials to assess alternative routes and safety advisories. Airports such as Abu Dhabi and Riyadh have been categorized under high-risk zones, prompting extreme caution in operations.