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Air India Flight Returns to Delhi as Israel Closes Airspace Amid Iran Strikes

An Air India flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv was forced to return to India mid-flight due to the sudden closure of Israeli airspace. The decision was made by the airline in the interest of passenger and crew safety. This occurred as Israel reportedly launched preventive missile strikes against Iran, prompting nationwide alerts and emergency guidelines. Iranian state media also reported explosions in Tehran amid the escalating situation.

Key Points: Air India Flight Returns to Delhi After Israel Airspace Closure

  • Flight AI139 turned back mid-route
  • Israeli airspace closed preemptively
  • Israel reported launching strikes on Iran
  • Public advised to seek shelter
2 min read

Air India flight AI139 returns to Delhi following Israel airspace closure

Air India flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv forced to return mid-flight due to Israeli airspace closure amid reported strikes on Iran. Safety cited.

"returning to India due to the closure of airspace in Israel and in the interest of the safety of passengers and crew - Air India Spokesperson"

New Delhi, February 28

Air India flight AI139, travelling from Delhi to Tel Aviv, was forced to turn back to India on Saturday due to the sudden closure of Israeli airspace. The decision was made mid-flight on Saturday to ensure the protection of all individuals on board.

According to Air India Spokesperson, "AI139 operating from Delhi to Tel Aviv on 28 February is returning to India due to the closure of airspace in Israel and in the interest of the 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."

Meanwhile, Israel has launched a preventive missile attack against Iran on Saturday, as reported by TPS. Citizens have been advised to seek shelter as the IDF said that sirens were sounded across the nation as a proactive alert for the possibility of missiles being launched towards the country.

TPS further noted that Defence Minsiter Israel Katz announced that the preemptive strikes against Iran came to remove threats to the country.

The Israeli Defence Force called on the public to stay in proximity to protected spaces.

According to the Jerusalem Post, a security source confirmed to Walla that the United States is also involved in the strikes.

As per the Jerusalem Post, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is not in Tehran and has been transferred to a "secure location", according to an Iranian official who confirmed to Reuters.

Also on Saturday, the Israeli Defence Force also shared that following a situational assessment, it was determined that immediate changes would be made to the Home Front Command Guidelines--with the decision to shift all areas of the country from Full Activity to Essential Activity. The guidelines include a prohibition on educational activities, gatherings, and workplaces, except for essential sectors.

Iranian State Media also reported explosions in the capital city of Tehran.

According to TPS, Israeli Defence Minister Katz declared an immediate nationwide special state of emergency under Israel's Civil Defence Law, warning that a missile and drone attack against Israeli territory and its civilian population is expected in the immediate timeframe.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is getting very serious. Israel and Iran going at it again, and now our flights are affected. Feel bad for those passengers, must have been scary to turn around mid-air. Hope the situation de-escalates soon for everyone's sake.
D
David E
While I appreciate Air India's caution, they should have had better contingency plans or real-time monitoring. Turning back a long-haul flight is a huge operational and financial loss. Could they not have diverted to a nearby country like Jordan or Egypt first?
A
Ananya R
My cousin was supposed to be on a flight to Tel Aviv next week for work. Now the whole trip is cancelled. This tension in the Middle East always ends up affecting Indians abroad and those traveling. Stay safe, everyone.
V
Vikram M
The article says US is involved too. World is on edge. India needs to be very careful and diplomatic. We have good relations with both Israel and Gulf nations. Hope our MEA is actively monitoring for any Indians stuck in the region.
S
Sarah B
Absolutely the correct decision by the pilots and airline. Passenger safety is non-negotiable. The inconvenience is minor compared to the potential risk of flying into a conflict zone. Kudos to the crew for handling this.

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