Zimbabwe Team Departs India in Phases After Middle East Airspace Disruptions

Players from the Zimbabwe national cricket team have begun leaving India in batches after widespread airspace disruptions linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East delayed their return home following the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The Zimbabwe squad had originally planned to depart soon after completing their campaign in the tournament. However, their travel plans were disrupted after tensions in the Middle East led to the closure of several key flight corridors used by international airlines. Many commercial flights operating through major transit hubs were cancelled or rerouted, leaving the team stranded in New Delhi for several days.

Zimbabwe Cricket and tournament officials worked to arrange alternate travel routes for the players and support staff as airlines began adjusting schedules to avoid the affected airspace. Due to limited flight availability and revised routes, the team could not travel together and had to be divided into smaller groups for their return journey. The first batch of players departed earlier this week, while the remaining members of the squad are scheduled to leave in subsequent flights. Instead of travelling through their originally planned route via Gulf transit hubs, the team is now flying through Addis Ababa in Ethiopia before heading to Harare.

Despite the travel disruptions, officials confirmed that the players and support staff remained safe during their extended stay in India. Authorities coordinated closely with airlines and organisers to ensure that the team could return home without further complications. Zimbabwe had a noteworthy campaign in the tournament, registering impressive wins against strong opponents earlier in the competition. Their performances helped them reach the Super Eight stage before they were eventually eliminated.

The ongoing airspace restrictions across parts of the Middle East have affected thousands of passengers and disrupted international travel across one of the world’s busiest aviation corridors. Several airlines have been forced to suspend routes or make lengthy diversions, impacting not only commercial passengers but also sports teams and international delegations attempting to travel through the region.