India waives overstay penalties, offers free visa extensions for travellers stranded by Gulf airspace shutdown
Middle-East crisis grounds flights: Economic Times lists 3 March cancellations and special relief services
IndiGo mounts four repatriation flights from Jeddah; Muscat next in line, says Deccan Herald
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Indian Express tally: 250+ flights scrapped across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai as conflict drags on
Indian Express data show more than 250 international flights were cancelled on 3 March, with Delhi and Mumbai hardest hit. The tally quantifies the scale of disruption for corporate travel planners and underscores the importance of real-time monitoring and flexible booking strategies.([indianexpress.com](https://indianexpress.com/article/india/flight-cancellations-across-indian-airports-amid-gulf-crisis-10563195/))
IndiGo to connect Kolkata and Shanghai with daily non-stop service from 29 March; announcement made on 3 March
IndiGo announced on 3 March that it will launch daily non-stop Kolkata–Shanghai flights from 29 March 2026, reopening an important trade and investment corridor and giving eastern-India companies a faster route into China’s financial hub. The move comes despite ongoing Gulf disruptions, signalling confidence in long-haul growth.([moneycontrol.com](https://www.moneycontrol.com/travel/indigo-launches-daily-direct-kolkata-shanghai-flights-from-march-29-2026-check-timings-schedule-and-route-details-article-13848938.html))
India Issues One-Click Visa Extensions for Foreigners Stranded by Middle-East Flight Cancellations
On 2 March India introduced a fast-track e-extension for foreign nationals whose return flights were cancelled after Gulf airspace shut. Applicants upload cancellation proof to the FRRO portal and receive up to 30 days’ extra stay, avoiding hefty overstay fines. Companies should act quickly while the emergency window is open.
UAE Airspace Closure: Embassy Helplines and Safety Checklist for Stranded Indian Travellers
Moneycontrol published a detailed 2 March guide for Indians stuck in the UAE after the country closed its airspace, listing embassy helplines, airline refund rules and safety precautions. Companies are advised to halt non-essential travel, enrol employees on crisis portals and claim insurance coverage for extended stays.
India to Gradually Restore Full Visa Services in Bangladesh, High Commissioner Tells Dhaka
India told Bangladesh on 2 March that it will phase back full visa services after an 18-month security-related freeze. Business, medical and diplomatic visas will restart first, with tourist visas to follow once new safety measures are installed. The move will ease travel for Bangladeshi corporates and Indian multinationals operating on both sides of the border.
VFS Global Warns Middle-East Visa Applicants to Re-check Appointments as Conflict Escalates
VFS Global on 2 March urged visa applicants across the Middle East to reconfirm appointment slots and avoid walk-ins as airspace closures disrupt operations. Centres remain open where permitted, but premium services are paused and free rescheduling is offered. Indian firms should build contingency plans for permit timelines.
Air India Extends Suspension of Gulf Routes, Cancels Select Europe Flights Amid West-Asia Crisis
Air India on 2 March prolonged its suspension of flights to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Qatar and cancelled four Europe services, warning that further extensions are possible. The move disrupts passenger itineraries and pharma cargo flows; companies should monitor re-issued tickets and explore alternative freight lanes.