Hyderabad: As many as 23 outbound and 21 inbound international flights were cancelled at Shamshabad Airport on Sunday amid escalating military tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Airlines halted or altered operations citing security concerns in the region. The disruption largely affected services between Hyderabad and Gulf and Arab countries.
Flights from Shamshabad to destinations such as Dubai, Doha, Kuwait, Dammam, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah and Muscat were cancelled. Similarly, several incoming flights from these countries did not operate.
The cancellations followed heightened instability in West Asia. Authorities in Iran and Israel either closed airports or flagged airspace as unsafe. Consequently, airlines were forced to reroute aircraft through longer corridors.
Shamshabad airport flight cancellations disrupt Gulf services
The sudden Shamshabad airport flight cancellations caused significant disruption for passengers. Many travellers bound for Gulf nations feared missing onward international connections.
At the same time, several passengers arriving from overseas remained stranded at the airport. Airline counters witnessed heavy rush as passengers sought clarification on schedules.
Although some carriers offered refunds or rescheduling options, uncertainty persisted over when normal operations would resume. Officials did not indicate a definite timeline for restoration of services.
Airlines stated that revised routes increased travel time by nearly two to three hours. As a result, operational costs are expected to rise.
Shamshabad airport flight cancellations may raise fares
Aviation sources said longer detours would lead to higher fuel consumption. Therefore, ticket prices on affected sectors could increase in the coming days.
Meanwhile, tensions between Iran and Israel continued to escalate. The prevailing conflict prompted airlines worldwide to review flight paths over sensitive airspace.
Advisories urged passengers travelling to Gulf destinations to confirm flight status with their respective airlines before heading to the airport. Authorities emphasised that only passengers with confirmed communication should proceed for departure.