KOLKATA – Escalating tensions in the Middle East have rippled across global aviation, hitting Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport hard. On Friday, several international flights were abruptly canceled, marking a direct fallout from the Iran-Israel-US conflict.
Airport authorities confirmed the disruptions, attributing them to security and operational concerns. From 8 PM on March 6, 2026, to 8 AM on March 7, 2026, airlines suspended key routes to the region. This precautionary measure aims to safeguard passengers and crew amid heightened risks.
Affected flights include Air Arabia’s 3L-0167 to Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport. Etihad Airways canceled EY-0220 incoming from Abu Dhabi and EY-0221 outbound. Qatar Airways axed QR-0540 from Doha and QR-0541 to Hamad International Airport. Emirates flights EK-0571 to Dubai and EK-0570 from Dubai were also grounded, totaling seven cancellations.
Travelers with Middle East connections are urged to verify statuses with airlines before heading to the airport. This wave of cancellations underscores the fragility of international travel amid geopolitical storms, forcing passengers to rethink plans and brace for further uncertainty.
As the conflict simmers, aviation experts warn of prolonged disruptions. Kolkata airport officials emphasize real-time updates via apps and websites to minimize chaos at terminals packed with anxious flyers.