Large-scale flight cancellations in Kerala’s international airports on Friday highlighted the impact of rising tensions in West Asia, affecting travel plans for many expatriates and their families. The Cochin International Airport, the state’s busiest gateway to the Gulf, experienced the highest number of cancellations. Other airports like Kannur International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, and Calicut International Airport also faced cancellations or rescheduling due to security concerns and airspace restrictions in the Middle East.
The Cochin Airport has already canceled 14 flights and advised passengers traveling to the Middle East to check with airlines before heading to the airport. Notably, a flight bound for Muscat was recalled mid-flight, indicating the unpredictable operational conditions. These disruptions follow the recent military actions by Israel and the United States in Iran, leading to heightened tensions in the region.
Given that a significant portion of Kerala’s diaspora, around 2.5 million people, resides in the Middle East, the flight disruptions have a substantial impact on the state’s economy. The Gulf countries’ airspace restrictions have forced airlines to cancel flights and adjust routes, potentially causing economic and social repercussions in Kerala.
K. C. Venugopal, AICC General Secretary and MP from Alappuzha, expressed deep concern over the situation, urging the Prime Minister and the Ministry of External Affairs to take diplomatic and logistical actions to ensure the safety of Indian nationals in the region. He emphasized the need for immediate measures to facilitate the safe passage and evacuation of at-risk citizens and those desiring to return home.
