Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 2: Escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel have triggered widespread airspace closures across the Gulf, disrupting international travel and prompting major Indian IT firms to suspend non-essential travel for employees.
Amid the worsening tensions involving the United States, several countries in the region shut their airspace over the weekend, leading to flight cancellations and diversions.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced that it has temporarily suspended all travel — incoming, outgoing and transit — to and from the Middle East. In an internal communication, the company said the move was aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of its employees.
TCS has advised its staff in the region to remain indoors unless stepping out is unavoidable and to strictly follow instructions issued by local authorities. The company said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to employees.
In a similar advisory, Infosys asked employees to reconsider any business travel to or from the Middle East over the next 48 hours and stay in touch with airline partners for last-minute changes. The company also directed staff to avoid non-essential travel until further notice, stressing that employee safety remains its top priority.
The aviation sector has also been severely impacted. Several airlines, including Dubai-based Emirates, have grounded flights or altered schedules following the attacks. Multiple flights across the Middle East were cancelled or diverted, while Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi temporarily suspended operations.
Indian carriers Air India and IndiGo have also temporarily suspended services to Israel and the UAE respectively. Airlines have advised passengers to check flight statuses and contact carriers regarding refunds and rescheduling.
With tensions continuing to rise, international travellers face uncertainty as governments and companies closely monitor developments in the region