Israel vs Iran War Latest News: The escalating conflict in West Asia, following joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has severely disrupted air travel in the region. Numerous westbound flights of Indian carriers have been affected due to airspace closures and the heightened risks of operating through these skies. India’s largest airline, IndiGo, along with Tata Group carriers Air India and Air India Express, have suspended flights to all destinations in the region. SpiceJet also warned passengers that some flights might be impacted due to the crisis.
Israel vs Iran War: Flight Diversions and Cancellations
Saturday morning’s military strikes and Iran’s retaliation prompted several West Asian countries to close their airspace, forcing airlines to divert flights. For example, Air India’s Delhi-Tel Aviv flight turned back and landed in Mumbai, according to flight tracking data. Other affected flights included:
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Air India’s Delhi-Riyadh flight
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IndiGo’s Amritsar-Sharjah flight
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Air India Express’s Vijayawada-Sharjah and Mangaluru-Doha flights
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Flydubai’s Lucknow-Dubai flight
Countries enforcing full or partial airspace closures include Iran, Israel, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE. Qatar and the UAE are global aviation hubs, meaning disruptions in these airspaces can have wider international impacts, affecting flight operations in multiple regions. Major airlines such as Qatar Airways and Emirates also warned passengers of potential disruptions due to these closures.
Israel vs Iran War: Implications for Indian Airlines
Indian carriers had already been avoiding Iranian airspace for the past few weeks. However, West Asian airspace is crucial not only for flights to regional destinations but also for overflights to Europe and North America. Extended restrictions could severely impact Indian airlines’ operations.
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IndiGo operates flights to Europe, requiring alternative, longer routes if West Asian airspace remains restricted.
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Air India flies to Europe and North America, meaning rerouted flights could involve longer journeys and additional refueling stops.
Israel vs Iran War: IndiGo Advises Passengers to Check Flight Status
On social media platform X, IndiGo issued a passenger advisory, “In view of evolving airspace restrictions around Iran and Middle East, all flights to and from Middle East are cancelled till 0000hrs. These measures have been instituted as the safety and security of our customers and crew is our highest priority. Our teams are continuously monitoring the evolving situation and recalibrating operations to minimise disruption as much as possible. Customers are advised to check their flight status prior to departure.”
Air India and Air India Express Suspend Westbound Flights
Air India also suspended all flights to Middle Eastern destinations, stating, “In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for our passengers and crew. We will continue to assess the safety and security environment for our flight operations and adjust operations proactively as required. Our teams will be extending all necessary support to passengers.”
Similarly, Air India Express confirmed, “In view of the developing situation in parts of the Gulf Region, Air India Express has suspended all westbound international flights. The safety and security of our guests and crew remain our highest priority. We continue to closely monitor the evolving situation and will proactively review and adjust our operations as necessary. Our teams are extending all possible support and assistance to impacted guests.”
The rapid escalation in the West Asian conflict, coupled with multiple airspace closures, continues to disrupt flights globally, especially for airlines relying on West Asian routes for regional and intercontinental travel. Indian carriers are actively monitoring the situation and providing support to affected passengers while prioritizing safety.
