Kochi: Air travel between Kochi and several Gulf destinations faced major disruption after rising tensions and military activity in the Middle east forced airlines to cancel services for safety reasons.
Airport authorities confirmed that 44 flight services connecting Kochi with Gulf countries were cancelled, while only six flights operated on the day as restrictions affected normal operations.
Flights to major destinations including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait were impacted. Several airlines reduced or suspended services due to airspace restrictions and security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict in the region.
The disruptions follow missile and drone attacks and heightened military activity connected to the Iran related crisis, which has led to airspace closures and operational limits at key aviation hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. International airlines have begun rerouting or suspending flights to avoid risk zones.
Airports across Kerala have reported similar disruptions, and some aircraft scheduled to land in Gulf cities were diverted or forced to return due to sudden airspace restrictions.
The situation has created anxiety among passengers, especially expatriate workers and families who travel frequently between Kerala and Gulf countries. Many travellers have been stranded or forced to postpone journeys.
Airport officials and airlines have urged passengers to check flight status before leaving for the airport and to stay in contact with their airlines for updates.
Aviation authorities said normal operations will resume only after regional airspace is declared safe. Until then, travellers have been advised to avoid non essential travel and expect delays and cancellations.