As of early March 2026, the escalating conflict involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran, followed by Iranian retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Gulf states (including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others), has triggered widespread airspace closures and major airport disruptions across the Middle East. Countries like Iran, Iraq, Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Syria, and parts of the UAE have shut down or severely restricted their skies, leading to thousands of flight cancellations and suspensions at key hubs such as Dubai International, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International, Doha’s Hamad International, and others.
For Indian applicants, many from cities like Kolkata, preparing for GAMCA medical tests and planning Gulf travel, these events create significant hurdles. The GAMCA medical examination requires in-person visits to approved centers in India, but the bigger challenges arise when trying to travel to the Gulf for visa stamping, job joining, or entry after receiving a fit report. Below, we break down the current impacts and practical ways to manage them.
Current Situation: Widespread Disruptions in March 2026
- Airspace Closures: A large corridor over the Middle East remains restricted or fully closed, affecting flights in and out of the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Jordan, and Syria. Flight tracking data shows near-empty skies in these areas, with closures extended into early March (some until March 3–7 or later).
- Airport Shutdowns and Cancellations: Major hubs like Dubai (the world’s busiest international airport), Abu Dhabi, Doha, Sharjah, and Kuwait have suspended operations. Airlines including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia have grounded flights—Emirates extended Dubai suspensions until at least 3 PM UAE time on March 3, Etihad until 2 PM on March 2 or later. Over 2,000 flights to/from Gulf airports were cancelled in recent days, stranding tens of thousands.
- Broader Effects: Indian carriers (Air India, IndiGo) and international ones have cancelled or diverted routes to/from the Gulf, with hundreds of India-Gulf flights affected daily. Explosions and interceptions reported in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha add to the uncertainty.
These disruptions stem directly from the geopolitical tensions, with no quick resolution in sight as strikes continue.
How This Affects GAMCA Centre Visits in India
GAMCA medical appointments happen at approved centres across India (including many in Kolkata and West Bengal). These are domestic processes, so airspace issues don’t directly stop you from attending your test:
- Booking and attendance remain possible via the official portal, no travel to the Gulf is needed for the initial GAMCA medical check.
- Centres continue operations as normal, with no reported closures tied to the conflict.
- However, if you’re an expat already in the Gulf returning for renewal or retest, getting back to India becomes extremely difficult due to outbound flight halts from the UAE/Qatar/etc.
The main pain point is post-test travel: once you get a fit report, you need to proceed to visa stamping (often at GCC embassies in India) and then fly to the Gulf for final entry or medical verification on arrival.
Major Impacts on Gulf Travel and Visa Processes
- Delayed or Impossible Travel for Visa Stamping/Entry:
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- Many applicants complete the GAMCA medical in India, then wait for visa issuance before flying out.
- With flights grounded, even if your visa is ready, you can’t board—leading to potential expiry of your GAMCA certificate (typically 60 days) before departure.
- Visa and Embassy Operations:
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- GCC embassies/consulates in India may face delays in processing or stamping due to communication issues or staff safety concerns amid the crisis.
- Sponsors in the Gulf might struggle to coordinate amid local chaos.
- On-Arrival Medical Requirements:
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- Countries like the UAE often require additional local fitness checks after entry.
- If arrival is delayed indefinitely, this step gets pushed back, complicating residency activation.
- Stranded Applicants and Costs:
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- Job offers or contracts may be at risk if you can’t join on time.
- Rebooking fees, extended stays, or lost wages add financial strain.
What You Can Do Right Now
- For Upcoming GAMCA Appointments: Proceed as planned, domestic travel in India is unaffected. Monitor your slot and health prep closely.
- If Your Report Is Ready or Near Expiry: Contact your Gulf sponsor/employer urgently. They can liaise with embassies for possible flexibility or extensions (though not guaranteed).
- Check Flight Status Daily: Use sites like Flightradar24 or airline apps for updates on reopenings. Partial recoveries could happen quickly.
- Explore Alternatives: If your destination allows, consider rerouting via unaffected paths (though options are limited). Some shift to other GCC countries with less disruption (e.g., Oman if operational).
- Document Everything: Keep records of cancellations, advisories, and communications, useful if seeking refunds or extensions.
- Stay Informed: Follow official sources like the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation, MEA advisories, and GCC embassy updates. Avoid unofficial rumours.
The situation remains highly fluid, with potential for rapid changes as tensions evolve. Many applicants in similar past disruptions managed by staying proactive and communicating with sponsors.
