NEW DELHI - Indian carriers cancelled about 26,000 international flights through July 20 as the US-Iran conflict restricted airspace across West Asia, the government told Parliament on July 23.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol disclosed the figure in a written Lok Sabha reply to Congress MP Anto Antony. He said the restrictions had caused widespread cancellations, diversions and delays across airlines and airports since the conflict began in late February.

The disruption affected services between India and the Gulf, while Indian flights to Europe and North America were forced onto longer routes. Airlines also adjusted schedules as airspace across several West Asian countries was closed or severely restricted.

“Re-routing of flights has led to increased flight durations and higher fuel consumption,” Mohol said, according to a PTI report.

Indian carriers told the government that additional operating costs varied according to the diversion, flight duration and prevailing fuel prices. They also reported significant revenue losses during the disruption.

The Civil Aviation Ministry directed airlines to monitor airspace notices and reroute or divert flights when required. Major international airports were placed on alert to receive diverted flights, manage unscheduled landings and assist passengers whose journeys had been interrupted.

Airlines were also told to communicate schedule changes and comply with rules covering refunds, rescheduling and passenger assistance. 

The ministry said in a March 3 operational update that it was monitoring ticket prices for undue increases and advised travellers to confirm their flight status before leaving for the airport.