West Asia Crisis Cuts Flights to Bengaluru, Mangaluru in March

Over 1,300 flights to Bengaluru and Mangaluru were cancelled in March 2026 due to the West Asia crisis. This is a big drop from normal travel.
By Newsroom | Travel, West Asia |

International Passenger Numbers Plummet in March Amidst Regional Instability

The West Asia crisis has severely impacted international air travel for Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) and Mangaluru International Airport (MIA), leading to a significant drop in passenger numbers during March 2026. This disruption stems from widespread flight cancellations and airspace restrictions directly linked to the escalating conflict in the region, which erupted on February 28, 2026.

Flight Cancellations and Reduced Services

Across Karnataka's two international airports, the repercussions have been stark:

  • Over 1,300 flights were cancelled between Bengaluru and Mangaluru airports as the West Asia war intensified.

  • Air India Express alone saw a substantial reduction, with 170 arrivals and 174 departures cancelled (a total of 344 flights).

  • IndiGo also reported significant cuts, including 100 international service cancellations.

  • Specific routes to destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Dubai, and Doha experienced considerable disruption.

The crisis led to 19 passenger flights operating to and from KIA being cancelled over a single weekend (Saturday and Sunday), with subsequent cancellations affecting both arrival and departure services. For instance, on a particular Friday, 33 flights at KIA were grounded due to ongoing airspace restrictions.

Drop in KIA’s international passenger numbers in March due to West Asia crisis - 1

Broader Impact on Indian Aviation

The effects are not confined to Karnataka. Nationally, Indian carriers experienced a significant shrink in international departures, with figures showing a 39% decrease in March. This downturn contrasts with previous months, although a decline was also noted in December 2025 due to disruptions with IndiGo's operations. While some airports like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram saw substantial percentage drops in international traffic (36% and 38% respectively), and Kozhikode experienced a severe 47.4% decline, Bengaluru's traffic growth was reported as "flat" and Delhi saw a minor 0.2% decrease. Notably, Pune was an outlier, showing an 8.1% growth in combined domestic and international traffic.

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Passenger Experiences and Government Response

The situation left travellers stranded, with incidents like MLC Bhojegowda and his family being reportedly stuck at Dubai International Airport. Passengers like Pradeep Reddy, who had planned visits to family in Dubai, were forced to cancel their travel. The Karnataka State Government acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stating that the safety and well-being of Kannadigas in affected regions, including the UAE, Iran, and Qatar, were being treated with utmost seriousness.

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Data Nuances and Historical Context

While specific data for March 2026 passenger numbers at KIA shows a dip, other reports indicate varying trends. One report mentions a 10.3% drop in passenger arrivals at KIA for the first three months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. However, the primary driver for the March 2026 downturn appears to be the immediate impact of the West Asia crisis. The broader context of air travel in India, as per some reports, shows fluctuating figures, with international passenger traffic across the country experiencing an 18.5% decline in March due to the conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were flights to Bengaluru and Mangaluru cancelled in March 2026?
The West Asia crisis caused many flight cancellations and airspace restrictions. This led to over 1,300 flights being cancelled for Bengaluru and Mangaluru airports in March 2026.
Q: How many flights were affected by the West Asia crisis for Bengaluru and Mangaluru?
More than 1,300 flights between Bengaluru and Mangaluru airports were cancelled in March 2026. Airlines like Air India Express and IndiGo had many cancellations to places like Dubai and Doha.
Q: What was the impact of the West Asia crisis on Indian airlines in March 2026?
Indian airlines saw a 39% decrease in international departures in March 2026. This was due to the conflict in West Asia, which made travel difficult and unsafe.
Q: Did passengers face problems because of the flight cancellations in March 2026?
Yes, passengers were stranded. Some, like MLC Bhojegowda, were stuck at Dubai airport. Others, like Pradeep Reddy, had to cancel visits to family.
Q: What is the total drop in international passengers in India in March 2026?
International passenger traffic across India dropped by 18.5% in March 2026. This significant fall is directly linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.