New Delhi, June 13
Air India on Friday announced that several of its international flights were either diverted or sent back to their origin due to the emerging situation in Iran and the closure of its airspace.
In a post on social media platform X, the airline stated, "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:
AI130 from London Heathrow to Mumbai has been diverted to Vienna
AI102 from New York to Delhi diverted to Sharjah
AI116 from New York to Mumbai diverted to Jeddah
AI2018 from London Heathrow to Delhi diverted to Mumbai
AI129 from Mumbai to London Heathrow, returning to Mumbai
AI119 from Mumbai to New York, returning to Mumbai
AI103 from Delhi to Washington, returning to Delhi
AI106 from Newark to Delhi diverting to Vienna
AI188 from Vancouver to Delhi diverting to Jeddah
AI101 from Delhi to New York, diverting to Frankfurt/Milan
AI126 from Chicago to Delhi diverting to Jeddah
AI132 from London Heathrow to Bengaluru diverted to Sharjah
AI2016 from London Heathrow to Delhi diverted to Vienna
AI104 from Washington to Delhi diverted to Vienna
AI190 from Toronto to Delhi diverted to Frankfurt
AI189 from Delhi to Toronto, returning to Delhi."
Air India expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to its passengers and assured that every effort was being made to minimise the disruption. "We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen disruption and are making every effort to minimise it, including providing accommodation for passengers. Refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling are also being offered to guests who opt for it. Alternative arrangements are being made to fly passengers to their destinations."
The airline also advised passengers to check their flight status before travelling, as tensions escalated sharply following Israel's preemptive strike on Iran.
According to The Times of Israel, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the strike and declared a nationwide emergency in light of the unfolding developments.
Katz warned that "a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future" and said he signed "a special order, according to which a special state of emergency will be imposed in the home front throughout the entire State of Israel."
He urged people to "obey the instructions of the Home Front Command and the authorities and remain in the protected areas," as reported by The Times of Israel.
As sirens wailed across Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his security cabinet while the IDF confirmed launching an aerial campaign against Iran's nuclear program.
The Israeli Air Force struck dozens of targets across Iran linked to the nuclear programme and other military facilities in an operation dubbed "Nation of Lions."
The IDF emphasised the urgency of the strike, stating that Iran has enough enriched uranium to build several bombs within days, making it necessary to act against this "imminent threat."
The recent sirens that sounded across Israel served as a preemptive warning issued by the IDF ahead of a possible reaction from Iran.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Safety first! While the diversions are inconvenient, I appreciate Air India prioritizing passenger security over schedules. Hope all passengers get proper accommodation and assistance. 🙠The situation in West Asia is getting worse by the day - India needs to stay neutral and focus on bringing our citizens home safely.
My cousin was on AI130 diverted to Vienna! The airline arranged hotel stay but communication could be better. Many passengers didn't know what was happening for hours. Air India should improve real-time updates during such crises. Still, better safe than sorry with tensions so high.
This shows why India needs stronger aviation alternatives for international routes. We're too dependent on West Asian airspace. The government should fast-track agreements with Central Asian countries for alternative flight paths. #MakeInIndia should include aviation route planning too!
The complimentary rescheduling is a good gesture, but what about business travelers who miss important meetings? Air India should consider special compensation for such cases. The geopolitical situation isn't passengers' fault after all.
This Iran-Israel conflict is affecting ordinary Indians the most. Our flights get disrupted, oil prices will rise, and diaspora in Gulf may face problems. Government should proactively evacuate Indians if tensions escalate further. Jai Hind!
Kudos to Air India crew handling this stressful situation! 👠My friend is an air hostess on one of these flights - they worked extra hours to keep passengers calm while getting no info themselves. Airlines should better support staff during such crises too.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.