The airline said the temporary suspension will now remain in effect until 23:59 hrs on March 3, 2026. (Air India/X)Iran-Israel war, Airspace closures in Middle East: Air India has extended the suspension of its Middle East services amid the ongoing tensions following the Iran-Israel war. The airline said the temporary suspension will now remain in effect until 23:59 hrs on March 3, 2026.Also Read | Limited flight operations from Dubai Airport: Emirates, flydubai to begin services soonAir India also said it is closely monitoring and assessing the evolving situation in the Middle East. The airline has resumed scheduled operations to all its destinations in the USA, Canada, Europe and the UK. It also added that the safety and security of its passengers and crew remain its highest priority.“Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers impacted by the suspension of flights to the Middle East and is committed to assisting them with alternative arrangements and options of full refunds or complimentary rescheduling.We encourage you to check your flight status on http://airindia.com or contact our 24/7 support team at +911169329333,+911169329999 for more information. Thank you for your patience and understanding,” it said in a statement.Also Read | Iran-Israel war 2026: IndiGo cancels over 150 international flights on March 3 – Full listMeanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said that a total of 357 flights scheduled to operate today were cancelled due to the prevailing situation in the Middle East.“We at the Ministry of Civil Aviation are closely monitoring passenger grievances through the Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) and ensuring prompt redressal on priority. A total of 559 grievances have been addressed during this period through AirSewa, social media platforms, and dedicated helpline calls, in coordination with airlines and concerned stakeholders.Passengers are advised to check official airline channels for accurate updates regarding cancellations and rescheduling. For assistance, they may contact the Ministry’s PACR helpline numbers at 011-24604283 / 011-24632987,” it added.Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd