New Delhi: Air India announced the diversion or return of multiple international flights on Friday due to the closure of Iranian airspace, following a sharp escalation in regional tensions after Israel’s military strikes on Iran.
In an official update on social media platform X, the airline said:
“Due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, the following Air India flights are either being diverted or returning to their origin.”
Diverted and Returned Flights:
- AI130 (London Heathrow → Mumbai): Diverted to Vienna
- AI102 (New York → Delhi): Diverted to Sharjah
- AI116 (New York → Mumbai): Diverted to Jeddah
- AI2018 (London Heathrow → Delhi): Diverted to Mumbai
- AI129 (Mumbai → London Heathrow): Returned to Mumbai
- AI119 (Mumbai → New York): Returned to Mumbai
- AI103 (Delhi → Washington): Returned to Delhi
- AI106 (Newark → Delhi): Diverting to Vienna
- AI188 (Vancouver → Delhi): Diverting to Jeddah
- AI101 (Delhi → New York): Diverting to Frankfurt/Milan
- AI126 (Chicago → Delhi): Diverting to Jeddah
- AI132 (London Heathrow → Bengaluru): Diverted to Sharjah
- AI2016 (London Heathrow → Delhi): Diverted to Vienna
- AI104 (Washington → Delhi): Diverted to Vienna
- AI190 (Toronto → Delhi): Diverted to Frankfurt
- AI189 (Delhi → Toronto): Returned to Delhi
Air India expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and assured passengers that alternative arrangements, including accommodation, rescheduling, and refunds, are being provided.
“We regret the inconvenience caused due to this unforeseen disruption and are doing our best to minimise its impact. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before travelling,” the statement added.
Background: Escalation in Israel-Iran Conflict
The diversions come amid heightened regional tensions after Israel launched a preemptive aerial campaign against Iran, targeting dozens of facilities linked to its nuclear program and military infrastructure in an operation reportedly named “Nation of Lions.”
According to The Times of Israel, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared a nationwide state of emergency, citing the imminent threat of a large-scale missile and drone attack by Iran.
“A missile and drone attack against Israel and its civilian population is expected imminently,” said Gallant, urging the public to follow Home Front Command instructions and remain in protected shelters.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) emphasized the urgency of the strikes, claiming Iran possesses enough enriched uranium to construct multiple nuclear weapons within days. The IDF characterized the strikes as essential to neutralize a “clear and present danger.”
As air raid sirens blared across Israeli cities, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency session of the security cabinet to assess national readiness.
This incident underscores the fragile state of Middle Eastern security and has triggered significant disruption across international aviation routes, with implications for global air traffic and fuel prices.
