Airspace closure disrupts Kochi–West Asia flights after strikes on Iran

Airline services to and from West Asia through Kochi airport have been severely disrupted since Saturday afternoon following the closure of airspace in multiple countries after strikes on Iran by Israel and the United States.

Air India Express cancelled all services for the next 24 hours from Kochi, after boarding for its Sharjah flight was put on hold in the afternoon. An Oman Air flight bound for Kochi returned midway, while boarding for an Etihad Airways service was also suspended.

IndiGo cancelled four outbound flights — to Doha (4.15 p.m.), Dubai (6.20 p.m.), Ras Al Khaimah (9.50 p.m.), and Abu Dhabi (10.50 p.m.) — along with an inbound service from Dubai scheduled at 5.15 p.m.

Flight operations remain disrupted due to the closure of airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. The Cochin International Airport issued a travel advisory warning passengers of potential changes to departure times or outright cancellations. Given current limitations on Middle East airspace, passengers are advised to verify flight status with their airline before proceeding to the airport, the advisory said, adding that the airport was coordinating with carriers and authorities to ensure smooth handling.

The airport has been inundated with calls from anxious passengers, while many who had already left for flights were stranded at the terminal or en route.

Similar disruptions were reported during the Iran–Israel stand-off last year, though this time the closure spans more countries, raising fears of escalating tensions.