Air India Diverts 16 International Flights Amid Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict
- Air India diverted or returned 16 international flights due to Iran’s airspace closure following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
- Passenger safety was prioritized, with flights rerouted through safer corridors and full refunds or rescheduling options provided.
- Escalating Israel-Iran tensions have raised global aviation concerns, prompting multiple carriers to avoid Middle Eastern airspace.
In response to rising tensions in the Middle East, Air India has diverted or returned at least 16 international flights following the abrupt closure of Iranian airspace. The shutdown came hours after Israel launched a large-scale military operation, reportedly targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Iran closed its airspace on Friday after Israeli airstrikes hit strategic locations in Tehran, including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility. The attack, termed 'Operation Rising Lion', marks one of the most significant military strikes on Iran since the Iran-Iraq War. Iranian state media reported the death of General Hossein Salami, commander of the Revolutionary Guard Corps, along with other high-ranking military officials and nuclear scientists. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has condemned the strikes and vowed harsh retaliation, fueling concerns of a broader regional conflict.
Amid the unfolding geopolitical crisis, Air India stated that the safety of passengers and crew remains the airline’s top priority. Several west-bound flights that rely on Iranian airspace were either rerouted or returned to their origin points.
Among the affected flights, AI130 (London–Mumbai) was diverted to Vienna, AI102 (New York–Delhi) to Sharjah, and AI116 (New York–Mumbai) to Jeddah. Long-haul services from cities including Washington, Chicago, and Toronto also faced diversions or returns, with some flights redirected to Frankfurt, Milan, or Vienna. Flights departing from Indian metros such as Delhi and Mumbai were forced to return mid-journey.
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A total of 16 flights were impacted, including AI101 (Delhi–New York), AI119 (Mumbai–New York), AI103 (Delhi–Washington), and AI189 (Delhi–Toronto), among others.
Air India has assured passengers of its commitment to minimize disruption. “As a precautionary measure and in the interest of passenger safety, several flights are being rerouted or returned”, the airline said in a statement. It added that affected travelers will be eligible for full refunds, free rescheduling, and alternative travel arrangements.
The conflict has also prompted other global airlines to reconsider their flight paths over the region. With Middle Eastern airspace becoming increasingly volatile, international carriers are seeking alternate corridors over the Arabian Sea and the Mediterranean to ensure operational safety.
