Is it Safe to Fly to Dubai? Air India and IndiGo Suspend Middle East Flights Amid Rising Tensions

For many travelers, the Middle East represents a bridge between worlds—a hub of luxury, culture, and high-speed transit. However, as of late February 2026, that bridge is facing unprecedented structural stress. If you’ve been scrolling through social media or checking your flight app with a sinking feeling, you aren’t alone. With the sudden escalation of regional conflicts involving Israel, the US, and Iran, the question on every traveler’s mind is:Is it safe to go?

The Current Airspace Reality

The most immediate impact for Indian travelers has been the decisive action taken by major carriers. On February 28, 2026, bothAir India and IndiGoannounced the temporary suspension of all flight operations to and from the Middle East.

This wasn’t a minor scheduling tweak. It was a rapid-response safety measure triggered by the closure of airspace across the UAE, Israel, Iraq, and Jordan. While the UAE Ministry of Defence has assured the public that the internal security situation remains stable, the “precautionary” closure of airspace means that even if a destination is safe, getting there is currently a logistical impossibility.

What’s Happening at Dubai International (DXB)?

Dubai International Airport—the world’s busiest hub for international travel—has seen arrivals and departures halted “until further notice.” For those already in the city, the Dubai Media Office has been proactive in sending out safety assurances. The message is clear: if you are already there, you are safe, but you should stay where you are.

For those scheduled to fly out, the scene is one of waiting. Air India’s flights to Tel Aviv have been diverted mid-air, and over 70 IndiGo flights were cancelled in a single day. Airports in Mumbai, Delhi, and Kerala have set up emergency help desks to manage the thousands of stranded passengers whose “quick trip” has turned into an indefinite stay.

The “Shelter in Place” Directive

It isn’t just airlines taking notice. The UK Foreign Office and other global agencies have issued urgent “shelter in place” warnings for citizens in Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. While “shelter in place” sounds like a term from a movie, in travel terms it simply means:Stay in your hotel or residence, avoid unnecessary movement, and keep your phone charged.

If you are a tourist in the UAE right now, the local authorities are monitoring the situation 24/7. The goal is to prevent civilian aircraft and people from being caught in the crossfire of retaliatory strikes or defensive interceptions.

Money and Rebooking: What Are Your Rights?

If your flight was cancelled, the airlines are moving quickly to stem the frustration.

• IndiGo has announced full flexibility and waivers for travel to/from the Middle East until March 7, 2026. This applies to bookings made on or before February 28. You can opt for a full refund or reschedule at no extra cost.
• Air India is providing similar support, with dedicated teams assisting passengers in re-routing or claiming refunds through their 24/7 call centers.

The golden rule for travelers right now:Do not head to the airport unless you have confirmed that your flight is departing.Most terminals are currently overcrowded with passengers seeking information, and local transport may be restricted.

A Human Perspective: Safety Over Scenery

It’s easy to get lost in the “logistics” of travel—the lost hotel deposits, the missed meetings, or the ruined vacations. But the human element of this crisis is the priority. The decision by airlines like Air India and IndiGo to ground fleets isn’t about profit—it’s about the lives of the crew and the hundreds of families on board.

Travelers are being urged to exercise “extreme caution.” If your travel isn’t essential, the advice from the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) is to postpone. The sands of the Middle East will still be there when the skies clear, but for now, the most important destination is safety.

Checklist for Affected Travelers:

Monitor Official X (Twitter) Handles: Follow @AirIndia and @IndiGo6E for real-time updates.

Contact Your Hotel: Many Dubai hotels are offering extended stays at discounted rates for stranded tourists.

Insurance Check: Contact your travel insurance provider immediately to see if “civil unrest” or “airspace closure” is covered under your policy.

Register with the Embassy: If you are an Indian national in a high-tension area, ensure your details are registered with the nearest Indian Consulate.

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