Bhubaneswar: The direct flight service from Bhubaneswar to Dubai was cancelled today following a major escalation in regional tensions and the subsequent closure of airspace over several West Asian countries.
Airport authorities at Biju Patnaik International Airport confirmed that the scheduled IndiGo flight, which operates three times a week, could not take off due to the evolving security situation in the Gulf. The decision follows a series of military developments, including air strikes on February 28, which have led to significant disruptions in international air corridors over Muscat, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.
According to airport officials, passengers were notified of the cancellation in advance to prevent them from being stranded at the terminal. While the flight scheduled for last Friday operated normally, the rapid deterioration of the regional security environment over the weekend forced airlines to prioritize safety and suspend operations on this route.
The cancellation has affected over 120 passengers who were booked for today’s journey. Airport Director Shri Prasanna Pradhan stated that the Ministry of Civil Aviation is monitoring the situation on a daily basis. A decision regarding the next scheduled flight on Wednesday will be taken after further assessment of airspace availability and safety protocols.
This suspension comes amid a broader wave of flight cancellations across India, with hundreds of international services currently rerouted or grounded as carriers navigate the restricted airspace in West Asia.