Mumbai Airport Chaos: 66 Flights Cancelled Amid West Asia Unrest

Mumbai Airport witnessed major disruptions on Sunday with a total of 66 air traffic movements (ATMs) cancelled, reliable sources reported. The cancellations comprised 32 arriving flights and 34 departing ones. Previously, on March 3, a staggering 107 ATMs were cancelled at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, triggered by the escalating conflict in West Asia, causing hundreds of passengers to be stranded and voicing discontent over insufficient amenities.

Official data indicated that on March 3, the cancellations included 54 arrivals and 53 departures. A passenger revealed to ANI that his family's trip for Umrah was impacted by the flight rescheduling on March 1 due to tensions in the Middle East, now rescheduled for the evening.

Another passenger expressed frustration over the situation, having travelled from Chapra to Mumbai only to find his Dubai flight cancelled at night, forcing him to sleep on the airport floor due to the lack of facilities. "We need a place to sleep, to stay, and to eat," he lamented.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has released a statement emphasizing its close monitoring of the evolving West Asia scenario impacting air travel between India and the region. Airlines are said to be adjusting operations to ensure passenger safety and flight operational integrity in these challenging conditions. On March 5, according to data, 40 inbound flights from West Asia arrived with 7,205 passengers, making cumulative arrivals reach 14,992. For March 6, Indian carriers plan 51 flights, depending on operational feasibility. The ministry ensures continued communication with airlines and is vigilant about airfares, preventing unaffordable surges during this crisis.