A sudden closure of airspace over parts of the Middle East late Monday night caused widespread disruption across Kerala’s international airports, stranding hundreds of passengers as numerous flights were cancelled or delayed.

The four main international airports in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Kannur saw long queues and confusion as passengers tried to reschedule their journeys. Flight information boards displayed mass cancellations, particularly of Gulf-bound flights, leaving many uncertain about their travel plans.

However, with signs of de-escalation emerging after a ceasefire announcement between Iran and Israel, airline operations are gradually stabilising, and rescheduling is underway.

Notably, Kerala has strong air traffic ties with the Middle East, home to over a quarter-million expatriate Keralites.

Magician Gopinath Muthukad, who was stranded at Doha airport, shared that he had received a boarding pass for a Tuesday night flight and that operations were resuming gradually.

Over two dozen international flights were cancelled from Kerala between Monday night and Tuesday. A Saudi-bound passenger reported being rerouted via Oman, whose airspace remained open. Others heading to Qatar and UAE were told to expect delays and were rebooked for later this week.

At Kochi airport, airline staff advised passengers to stay updated via mobile notifications. Some passengers returned home, while others remained at the terminal hoping for rebooking.

The airspace closure also affected domestic passengers, as several Middle East-bound flights have connecting domestic segments. Carriers like Air India, IndiGo, and major Gulf airlines were among those impacted.

Officials said flight operations are expected to return to normal over the next 24–48 hours as airspace restrictions are lifted and ceasefire conditions hold.