Iranian state-linked media outlets have claimed that the country’s air defence forces successfully shot down the US fighter jet and have circulated images they say show debris from the aircraft.
Air travel is set to become more expensive as the ongoing West Asia conflict disrupts global aviation and fuel markets. The Centre has decided to withdraw the airfare cap introduced last December after IndiGo cancellations had triggered a surge in ticket prices. With flight capacity now restored, restrictions will be lifted, but rising operational costs remain a concern. Airspace closures and rerouted flights are increasing fuel consumption, delays, and travel times. Additionally, higher war-risk insurance and safety concerns are adding pressure on airlines. While authorities promise strict monitoring, passengers should prepare for higher fares and unpredictable flight schedules.
Airspace closures across West Asia and Pakistan have forced longer flight routes, increasing operational costs
The civil aviation ministry has withdrawn fare caps imposed during IndiGo’s operational disruptions last December, marking a return to market-driven pricing
Earlier this month, the agency agreed to release a record 400 million barrels of oil from strategic stockpiles to stabilise markets, with the US contributing a lion's share of the supply.
Middle East crisis: The advisory comes at a time when many airlines have either suspended or restricted their services to destinations in West Asia.
The issue stems from restrictions on incoming foreign airline operations into Dubai, one of the busiest transit hubs for Indian travellers.
As missiles and drones dominate the battlefield in West Asia, a parallel war is unfolding in the shadows — an intelligence battle driven by cyber networks, surveillance systems, and covert operations. From Israel’s Mossad tracking Iranian sleeper cells to the CIA’s reported role in providing intelligence and technical support, the conflict is increasingly being shaped by information warfare. Iran, on its part, has intensified its internal crackdown, with its intelligence agency VAJA targeting suspected foreign spies and alleged informants to prevent leaks. But beyond cyber operations, signs of traditional espionage tactics are also re-emerging. On February 28, the same day major U.S. and Israeli strikes were reported on Iran, a mysterious Persian radio broadcast surfaced, repeating coded words and numbers — reminiscent of Cold War-era “numbers stations” used to transmit secret instructions to agents. Experts say such techniques highlight how modern conflicts are blending old-school espionage with advanced cyber warfare. In today’s battles, the fight is not just on the ground or in the air — but in the invisible realm of intelligence, deception, and psychological strategy, making the West Asia conflict more complex and unpredictable than ever.
Almost all major Indian airlines, including IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air, have announced fare hikes in the form of fuel surcharges over the past few days, citing a steep rise in fuel prices and continued uncertainty in the region.
According to the ministry, flight operations by Indian carriers to and from Riyadh resumed on 12 March 2026, after temporary disruptions caused by regional tensions.
The Iran war is sending shockwaves through global aviation. Airlines worldwide are facing soaring fuel prices, massive flight cancellations and major route disruptions across the Middle East — one of the busiest air corridors connecting Europe, Asia and Africa. More than 43,000 flights in the region have already been cancelled or disrupted as carriers avoid conflict zones. Jet fuel prices have surged dramatically, forcing airlines to raise ticket fares and impose new fuel surcharges. India’s aviation sector is among the hardest hit. Air India and Air India Express have announced phased fuel surcharge hikes beginning March 12, while SpiceJet has warned that carriers may have no choice but to increase fares further. Global airlines including Qantas, AirAsia, Hong Kong Airlines and Air New Zealand are also raising prices or reviewing fuel levies. Meanwhile, airlines like British Airways, Lufthansa and Air France-KLM are reshaping routes and adding flights to alternative destinations. For travellers, the result is clear — longer routes, higher fares and uncertainty for upcoming summer travel.




