The increasing tension between America, Israel and Iran has had a major impact on the global aviation sector. According to Al Jazeera’s report, around 20,000 flights have been canceled across the world since February 28. In Thailand alone, more than 400 flights have been affected and about 50,000 passengers are stranded at different airports there. Due to this tension, commercial flights have also been stopped at big airports like Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
ℹ: Kuwait Market Action: Major action against those charging arbitrary prices in Kuwait, case registered against 36 shops.
Impact on passengers going from India to Gulf
Due to tension in the Middle East, the price of aviation fuel has increased by a huge 85 percent. Its direct impact is on the pockets of common passengers. From March 14, 2026, big airlines like Air India and IndiGo have started charging extra fuel on every ticket. Indians going to Gulf will now have to pay more.
Gulf countries (Middle East): Rs 900 extra charge per ticket
Southeast Asia (Thailand etc.): Extra charge of Rs 1800 per ticket
Europe: Extra charge of Rs 2300 per ticket
Qatar Airways has stopped normal flights at Doha Airport and only special rescue flights are operating there. Restrictions have also been imposed at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports due to which people working and traveling from India to Gulf countries are facing a lot of problems.
New rules for travelers stranded in Thailand
The Government of Thailand has announced relief for 50 thousand stranded passengers. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has instructed all airlines that if the flight is delayed by more than 2 hours, then passengers will have to provide food and hotel for night stay. Barring security reasons, the airlines will also have to pay cash compensation ranging from 1500 to 4500 Thai Baht.
Apart from this, the government has decided to give 30 days extra visa to those tourists whose visa is expiring due to this flight cancellation. For this, the passenger will have to show the cancellation message from the airline. According to the Aviation Director, rescue flights are being approved first so that the stranded people can be sent safely to their country.