Following attacks between Iran and Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel have closed their airspace. This has led to the diversion or cancellation of numerous flights, including those operated by Air India, Emirates, and Qatar Airways.
Air India Flights: The escalating tension between Iran and Israel is no longer confined to borders; it has significantly impacted international air travel. Following Israeli airstrikes on several Iranian targets Friday morning, and subsequent retaliatory drone attacks from Iran, Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan have temporarily closed their airspace for safety reasons.
Drone Attacks and Security Concerns
Israel claims to have intercepted all drones launched by Iran. While Iran has not confirmed this, the situation remains critical. These events have prioritized airspace security, leading to the temporary closure of several national airspaces.
Impact on Airlines
International airlines have been most affected by this regional conflict. Major airlines like Air India, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, Flydubai, and Aeroflot have either diverted or cancelled flights.
List of Diverted Air India Flights
Several Air India international flights have been rerouted or returned to their origin stations. These include:
AI130: London to Mumbai – Diverted to Vienna
AI102: New York to Delhi – Diverted to Sharjah
AI116: New York to Mumbai – Diverted to Jeddah
AI2018: London to Delhi – Diverted to Mumbai
AI129: Mumbai to London – Returned to Mumbai
AI119: Mumbai to New York – Returned to Mumbai
AI103: Delhi to Washington – Returned to Delhi
AI106: Newark to Delhi – Diverted to Vienna
AI188: Vancouver to Delhi – Diverted to Jeddah
AI101: Delhi to New York – Diverted to Milan
AI126: Chicago to Delhi – Diverted to Jeddah
AI132: London to Bengaluru – Diverted to Sharjah
AI2016: London to Delhi – Diverted to Vienna
AI104: Washington to Delhi – Diverted to Vienna
AI190: Toronto to Delhi – Diverted to Frankfurt
AI189: Delhi to Toronto – Returned to Delhi
Status of Other Major Airlines
Lufthansa: All flights to and from Tehran cancelled.
Aeroflot: All flights from Moscow to Tehran cancelled.
Emirates and Flydubai: Several flights to and from Israel and Iran cancelled or diverted.
Qatar Airways: All flights to and from Iran and Iraq cancelled.
Advisory for Passengers
Air India and other airlines have urged passengers to check their websites or helplines for updates before travelling. Air India specifically prioritized passenger safety, diverting flights to safer routes until the situation normalizes.
Israel Closes Embassies
In addition to closing its airspace, Israel has also closed all its embassies worldwide and warned its citizens against displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public places. This measure was taken for security reasons; however, no official information has been released regarding their reopening.
