Bengaluru: Airspace restrictions caused widespread disruption at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) Monday, resulting in the cancellation of 72 flights until midnight and affecting thousands of passengers, particularly those on key Gulf routes.BIAL sources confirmed that 39 arrivals and 33 departures were cancelled due to the restrictions, which impacted aircraft movements across several international sectors. The disruption stretched across peak operating hours, leaving airlines struggling to maintain scheduled rotations amid limited routing options. Flights to and from major Middle East destinations — Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Dubai, and Doha — were the worst affected. These routes form a key part of Bengaluru’s international network, serving business travellers, migrant workers, students, and transit passengers connecting onwards to Europe and North America.An airport official said airlines were managing the situation by rescheduling flights, adjusting aircraft deployment, and providing accommodation where needed. “There were 39 arrival cancellations and 33 departure cancellations until midnight due to airspace restrictions. Airlines are making alternative arrangements for affected passengers,” the official added.Passengers were advised to check flight status with their airlines before heading to the airport. While airport operations continued, a return to normal flight schedules depended on the duration of the airspace restrictions and the airlines’ recovery plans.
