Airlines operating between India and the Middle East have rolled out flexible refund and rescheduling options after widespread flight disruptions across the Gulf region. Airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and many Gulf airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, flydubai have announced waivers, refunds and rebooking options for affected travellers.
Flight operations across parts of the Middle East were disrupted after regional tensions led to airspace restrictions, forcing several airlines to suspend or operate limited services. Passengers have been advised to travel only if they have confirmed bookings and to check flight status regularly.
Air India said travellers with confirmed bookings made on or before February 28, 2026 for flights to and from the Middle East, the UK and Europe for travel up to March 10 can opt for complimentary rescheduling or full refunds on cancellation.
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Also read: Flights cancellation today: IndiGo, Air India, Emirates and other airlines announce gradual flight resumption as relief operations expand
“In view of the continuing situation in the Middle East impacting flight operations, Air India is offering customers the option of complimentary rescheduling or full refunds on cancellation for confirmed bookings made on or before 28 February 2026 on flights to and from the Middle East, the UK and Europe for travel up to 10 March 2026,” the airline said.
IndiGo said it has extended full waiver on cancellations until March 31, 2026 as the situation in the Middle East remains volatile. The waiver applies to travel to and from the Middle East and Istanbul, allowing passengers to cancel without penalties.
Travellers have been advised to check their flight status online and contact the airline’s customer support for assistance as the carrier continues to monitor the situation.
Passengers who booked flights between February 28 and March 31 can rebook to the same destination for travel up to April 30 without change fees. Travellers whose flights have been cancelled can also request a full refund, including unused portions of multi-leg journeys.
Also read: China’s aviation hubs become stopovers of choice during Iran war
Customers who booked tickets directly with the airline must contact Emirates, while those who used travel agents should coordinate through their agents.
Passengers holding tickets issued on or before February 28 for travel up to March 21 can rebook their journeys free of charge on Etihad flights until May 15. The airline is also offering full refunds for cancelled flights, including unused segments of multi-leg itineraries.
Travellers are advised to check flight status online and ensure their contact details are updated to receive notifications.
Affected passengers can rebook their flights within 15 days without penalties, receive a full credit voucher for future travel, or request a full refund to the original payment method.
The airline has advised passengers to manage bookings online or contact their travel agents for assistance.
Passengers with bookings made between February 28 and March 31 can rebook alternative flights up to 30 days from the original travel date without penalties. However, cancellations typically result in a travel voucher depending on the fare type, as cash refunds are generally not offered.
The airline has asked travellers to confirm their booking before heading to the airport, especially if they have connecting flights.
Travellers whose flights are cancelled can generally rebook within the airline’s specified window without penalties or request a full refund, depending on fare rules and airline policies.
With limited flights gradually resuming across the Gulf region, airlines say safety remains the top priority while operations return to normal.
Flight operations across parts of the Middle East were disrupted after regional tensions led to airspace restrictions, forcing several airlines to suspend or operate limited services. Passengers have been advised to travel only if they have confirmed bookings and to check flight status regularly.
Air India and IndiGo announce waivers
Indian airlines have introduced flexible policies for passengers affected by disruptions in Middle Eastern airspace.Air India said travellers with confirmed bookings made on or before February 28, 2026 for flights to and from the Middle East, the UK and Europe for travel up to March 10 can opt for complimentary rescheduling or full refunds on cancellation.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
Also read: Flights cancellation today: IndiGo, Air India, Emirates and other airlines announce gradual flight resumption as relief operations expand
“In view of the continuing situation in the Middle East impacting flight operations, Air India is offering customers the option of complimentary rescheduling or full refunds on cancellation for confirmed bookings made on or before 28 February 2026 on flights to and from the Middle East, the UK and Europe for travel up to 10 March 2026,” the airline said.
IndiGo said it has extended full waiver on cancellations until March 31, 2026 as the situation in the Middle East remains volatile. The waiver applies to travel to and from the Middle East and Istanbul, allowing passengers to cancel without penalties.
Travellers have been advised to check their flight status online and contact the airline’s customer support for assistance as the carrier continues to monitor the situation.
Emirates: Free rebooking and refunds for cancelled flights
Emirates is operating a limited schedule following the partial reopening of regional airspace. The airline has asked passengers not to travel to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking.Passengers who booked flights between February 28 and March 31 can rebook to the same destination for travel up to April 30 without change fees. Travellers whose flights have been cancelled can also request a full refund, including unused portions of multi-leg journeys.
Also read: China’s aviation hubs become stopovers of choice during Iran war
Customers who booked tickets directly with the airline must contact Emirates, while those who used travel agents should coordinate through their agents.
Etihad Airways: Limited flights, flexible travel window
Etihad Airways has resumed a limited flight schedule from March 6, serving around 25 destinations.Passengers holding tickets issued on or before February 28 for travel up to March 21 can rebook their journeys free of charge on Etihad flights until May 15. The airline is also offering full refunds for cancelled flights, including unused segments of multi-leg itineraries.
Travellers are advised to check flight status online and ensure their contact details are updated to receive notifications.
Air Arabia: Date changes within 15 days
Air Arabia said its flights remain suspended until 15:00 UAE time on March 9, although a limited number of flights are operating after safety approvals.Affected passengers can rebook their flights within 15 days without penalties, receive a full credit voucher for future travel, or request a full refund to the original payment method.
The airline has advised passengers to manage bookings online or contact their travel agents for assistance.
flydubai: Reduced schedule with rebooking options
flydubai has partially resumed operations with a reduced network schedule.Passengers with bookings made between February 28 and March 31 can rebook alternative flights up to 30 days from the original travel date without penalties. However, cancellations typically result in a travel voucher depending on the fare type, as cash refunds are generally not offered.
The airline has asked travellers to confirm their booking before heading to the airport, especially if they have connecting flights.
What travellers should do
Airlines have advised passengers to check flight status before travelling to the airport, as schedules may change depending on developments in regional airspace.Travellers whose flights are cancelled can generally rebook within the airline’s specified window without penalties or request a full refund, depending on fare rules and airline policies.
With limited flights gradually resuming across the Gulf region, airlines say safety remains the top priority while operations return to normal.
