Israel-Iran stand-off hits Kerala-Gulf flight services; ticket fares shoot through the roof

THE ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has severely disrupted flight services from Kerala to several West Asian countries.

- LAKSHMI ATHIRA @Kozhikode

Following the closure of Iran's airspace, six flights between Gulf countries and Kannur were cancelled on Wednesday. Similar disruptions were reported at Kochi, Karipur and Thiruvananthapuram airports. Services to Dubai and Sharjah were the most affected.

On Tuesday, two flights each between Abu Dhabi and Thiruvananthapuram, and Sharjah and Kozhikode, were cancelled. The situation escalated on Wednesday, with six flights from Kannur grounded. Additionally, four services each from Kozhikode, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram were called off. All cancelled flights were operated by Air India and Air India Express between Kerala and Sharjah - Dubai.