India has started emergency plans to bring home its citizens from Iran after Tehran temporarily shut its airspace to most flights on Thursday, causing widespread flight disruptions. The closure came amid rising tension in the region and fears of possible conflict following unrest and international concerns.
The Indian government said it will help Indian nationals who wish to return home. Officials are coordinating closely with the Indian Embassy in Tehran to organise evacuations, beginning with students and others in key Iranian cities.
Thousands of Indians in Iran Await Evacuation
There are thousands of Indians in Iran, including students, pilgrims, and others studying or working in cities such as Tehran, Qom, Mashhad, and Isfahan. These individuals now face uncertainty as air travel becomes unpredictable and regional tensions escalate.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged Indians in Iran to leave the country if they can, and warned them to stay away from protests and crowded areas.
First Evacuation Flight Set to Leave Tehran TodayÂ
The first group of Indians has been told to be ready for evacuation starting today. Government sources said the students and other eligible citizens will be flown or transported out of Iran under close coordination between Indian authorities and the embassy in Tehran. This marks a major move by India to protect its citizens as the situation in Iran remains uncertain.
Iran Protests: Impact on Indian Airlines and Passengers
Air India and IndiGo issued travel advisories warning passengers that flights might change routes or face delays. Several Indian flights to the United States were cancelled due to the unexpected closure.
The disruptions could lead to longer flight paths for services that usually cross Iranian airspace. This may require extra fuel and might reduce the number of passengers airlines can carry.
Iran Protests:Â New Evacuation Strategy
Because of the unpredictable closure of Iranian skies, India is planning alternative evacuation routes. The government is in contact with Iranian authorities to ensure safe passage for its citizens, whether by air or land, if needed.
In similar past crises, India has launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate its citizens from Iran during military tensions and conflicts, successfully bringing back thousands of Indians, especially students, in coordinated efforts.
Iran Protests:Â Government Advisories for Indian Nationals in Iran
India’s foreign ministry has urged Indian nationals in Iran to stay alert and to leave the country by any safe means possible. Citizens have also been provided with emergency contact numbers and support channels to help during the evacuation process.
With regional tensions rising and air travel more complex, India’s priority is to safeguard its nationals and ensure they return home safely amid uncertainty in Iran.
Why Iran Closed Its Airspace?
Iran’s brief airspace closure lasted several hours and affected many international flights. The move forced airlines, including India’s Air India and IndiGo, to reroute, delay, or cancel flights that normally fly over Iranian skies.
The Iranian aviation authority cited security concerns amid the country’s crackdown on widespread protests. The temporary closure prevented most planes from entering or exiting Iranian airspace without special permission.
The closure significantly disrupted international flight patterns, especially for carriers flying between Asia, Europe, and North America. Flights had to reroute around Iran, adding time and complexity to long-haul journeys.
