Pune–Dubai, Abu Dhabi Flights Cancelled as US-Israel Launch Major Strikes on Iran
Pune, 28th February 2026: International air travel from Pune to key Middle East destinations was disrupted on Saturday after flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi were cancelled following a major military escalation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Authorities cited the rapidly deteriorating security situation across the Middle East, which has led to airspace closures and increased operational risks for airlines.
According to Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke, three international services were cancelled today due to the conflict. The cancelled flights include SpiceJet flight SG 51 from Pune to Dubai scheduled to depart at 8:30 pm, Air India Express flight IX 283 from Pune to Abu Dhabi scheduled at 9:05 pm, and IndiGo flight 6E 1484/1483 operating the Dubai–Pune–Dubai sector, with arrival at 10:30 pm and departure at 12:30 am on March 1. All cancellations are directly linked to the Middle East conflict, officials said.
Passengers affected by the cancellations have been duly informed by the respective airlines.
The flight disruptions come amid a sharp escalation in the Middle East and West Asia after the United States and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran early Saturday. Israeli officials described the strikes as preemptive, while the US termed the action “Operation Epic Fury,” targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, ballistic missile sites, and military headquarters.
Iran responded with retaliatory missile strikes targeting Israel and US military assets across the region, including bases in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. Several countries activated air defence systems and temporarily shut their airspace, triggering widespread flight cancellations and diversions across international routes.
Aviation authorities have warned that further disruptions are likely if hostilities continue, and passengers travelling to or via the Middle East have been advised to check flight status with airlines before heading to airports.
