Air India Diverts Flights After US Israeli Strikes on Iran Close Airspace

Airlines operating to, from and through regions impacted by the US Israeli strikes against Iran have begun avoiding affected airspaces and are working to evacuate crew from the region.

Flights between India and destinations in the west are expected to get longer, with possible fuel stops on North America routes.

When combat operations in Iran began, hundreds of commercial flights were either overflying or preparing to enter airspaces from Iran to Israel. Among them was Air India’s Delhi Tel Aviv flight AI 139, which was in Saudi airspace at the time. The airline instructed the pilots to turn back and return to Mumbai.

Air India’s Chicago Delhi flight AI 126 was about to enter Iraq airspace when it diverted towards Syria to take a longer route back to India. The airline is also working to evacuate its crew from Tel Aviv.

“AI139 operating from Delhi to Tel Aviv on Feb 28 is air returning to Mumbai due to closure of air space in Israel and in the interest of safety of passengers and crew. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen situation and remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety.

We will continue to assess the safety and security environment for our flight operations and adjust operations proactively as needed,” an Air India spokesperson said.

Sources said the airline had stopped overflying Iraq on its night flights to and from Europe from Friday night. Daytime US bound flights, which earlier overflew Iraq, have also stopped using that route.

Air India’s North America flights may now require a fuel halt in Vienna or Rome. IndiGo is also assessing the impact on its operations.

For Indian carriers, airspace west of Pakistan up to Iraq is currently not usable. This is expected to affect flights to and from Europe, the United Kingdom and North America. IndiGo’s CIS services are also likely to be impacted.

Air India has sought clearance to use the Hotan waypoint in northwestern China. The request has not yet been approved. If permitted, the airline believes the route could help it avoid Pakistan airspace for flights to and from Europe, the United Kingdom and North America.