As tensions flare between Israel and Iran, Air India has diverted or returned over 15 international flights to ensure passenger safety, following the sudden closure of Iranian airspace. The geopolitical unrest has disrupted air travel across multiple nations, with several carriers scrambling to adjust their flight routes amid growing concerns of regional escalation.
Air India responds to Iranian airspace shutdown
The situation escalated early Friday after Israel launched strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear sites, ballistic missile facilities, and top military leaders. In retaliation or anticipation of it, Iranian authorities shut down their airspace indefinitely, leading to widespread flight cancellations and diversions across the region.
In response to the closure and rising hostilities, Air India issued an urgent update announcing rerouting or return of multiple flights. Among the key diversions were:
AI130 (London Heathrow to Mumbai) redirected to Vienna
AI102 (New York to Delhi) diverted to Sharjah
AI116 (New York to Mumbai) redirected to Jeddah
AI188 (Vancouver to Delhi) rerouted to Jeddah
AI101 (Delhi to New York) diverted to Frankfurt/Milan
AI190 (Toronto to Delhi) rerouted to Frankfurt
Other flights such as AI129, AI119, and AI189 returned to their original departure cities including Mumbai and Delhi. Some Europe-bound and North America-bound routes were rerouted to Sharjah, Vienna, or Jeddah, depending on proximity and viability.
Wider disruption in global airspace
The impact wasn’t limited to India alone. According to flight tracking data from Flightradar24, commercial air traffic cleared out from skies over Iran, Israel, and Iraq soon after Israel began its military strikes. Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was closed for an indefinite period, while Israeli airline El Al suspended all incoming and outgoing flights.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs also issued a precautionary advisory to Indian nationals in both Iran and Israel, urging them to stay alert and avoid non-essential travel as the situation remains fluid.
With the Middle East witnessing heightened tensions and potential retaliatory actions expected, airlines are bracing for further disruptions. Safety of passengers and crew remains a top priority as air carriers closely monitor developments in the region.
