Dublin: Rising tensions in the Middle East are once again affecting international air travel, creating uncertainty for passengers flying between Ireland and India. While there is no general suspension of flights from Ireland or other European countries to India, travellers using Gulf transit hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi are more likely to experience flight delays, schedule changes, cancellations and longer journey times.
EU Advises Airlines to Avoid Gulf Airspace
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has advised European airlines to avoid flying through the airspace of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf of Oman. The advisory remains in force until 29 July.
EASA has also extended its recommendation to avoid the airspace over Iran, Iraq and Lebanon until 31 August.
As a result, many Europe–Asia flights are operating on longer alternative routes, increasing overall flight times and, in some cases, requiring additional fuel stops.
Ireland Issues Travel Advisory
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs has warned that flights to India may face disruptions due to airspace restrictions across the Middle East and Gulf region.
The department currently advises against non-essential travel to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar and has urged passengers transiting through Gulf airports to closely monitor updates from their airlines.
Although commercial services continue to operate, officials cautioned that the security situation could change rapidly.
Germany Offers a More Stable Transit Option
Passengers travelling from Dublin to India can continue to fly via Frankfurt or Munich, where Lufthansa and its partner airlines maintain regular services to major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
While the Lufthansa Group has temporarily suspended flights to certain destinations in the Middle East, it has not suspended its India services from Germany.
Travellers should, however, expect slightly longer journey times, as aircraft are required to avoid restricted airspace over Iran, Iraq, Russia and Afghanistan.
No German Airport Transit Visa for Indian Passengers
Since 3 June 2026, Indian passport holders transiting through German airports no longer require an airport transit visa for standard airside transit.
However, passengers may still require a Schengen visa if they need to leave the international transit area, collect and recheck baggage, or transfer between German airports.
Travellers are therefore advised to book their journey on a single ticket and booking reference, ensuring baggage is checked through to the final destination.
Passengers should also carry a valid passport and Irish residence permit throughout their journey.
Airlines Adjust Operations
Air India has reduced or rescheduled some international services between June and August because of airspace restrictions and increased fuel costs. However, the airline continues to operate more than 1,200 international flights each month, including 47 weekly services to Europe.
Passengers affected by cancellations are being offered:
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Rebooking on another Air India flight (subject to availability)
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Free date changes
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Full refunds
Qatar Airways continues to operate flights through designated secure air corridors. Services between Dublin and Doha, along with onward connections to India, remain operational, although the airline has warned that schedules may change at short notice.
Passengers whose travel plans are disrupted can change travel dates free of charge or obtain refunds for unused tickets within the airline’s stated policy. The airline has also advised customers not to travel to the airport without a confirmed booking.
Meanwhile, Emirates and Etihad Airways continue to operate most international services, although some flights to destinations in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have been cancelled or rerouted.
Travellers connecting through Dubai or Abu Dhabi are advised to check the status of every flight before departure and avoid short transit times, as delays could result in missed onward connections.
Istanbul Remains an Alternative Route
Turkish Airlines has cancelled some flights to Iran and neighbouring destinations. However, services between Istanbul and India continue to operate, making Turkey another viable alternative for travellers wishing to avoid Gulf transit hubs.
Passengers should nevertheless be prepared for longer flight times and occasional schedule adjustments because of rerouted air traffic.
Airfares Expected to Rise
Industry experts expect Europe–India airfares to increase in the coming weeks.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), jet fuel prices have risen sharply since the escalation of the Middle East conflict. Longer flight routes and restricted airspace are also increasing operating costs for airlines.
If capacity on Gulf routes remains constrained and more passengers choose alternative connections through Germany or Istanbul, fares on those routes are also likely to rise, particularly for last-minute bookings.
Travellers with flexible schedules are advised to compare fares across different travel dates and departure airports.
Advice for Passengers
Passengers travelling to India are advised to:
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Check their flight status 48 hours before departure and again on the day of travel.
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Ensure their airline has the correct mobile number and email address for travel updates.
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Book their journey on one ticket rather than separate bookings to protect onward connections.
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Confirm that baggage will be checked through to the final destination in India.
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Carry essential medicines, important documents, toiletries and a change of clothes in hand luggage in case of delays.
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Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers flight disruptions, accommodation and additional expenses.
Travel Continues, but Extra Planning Is Essential
There is currently no need to cancel travel to India from Ireland. However, passengers should expect longer journey times, possible schedule changes and higher airfares as airlines continue to reroute flights around conflict zones.
For travellers seeking the most predictable option, connecting through Germany on a single-ticket itinerary currently remains one of the most stable alternatives to travelling via Gulf airports.
Irish Samachar English