Key Points

Air India is gradually resuming flights to the Middle East and Europe after airspace closures due to escalating tensions between Iran and the US. Some services may still face delays or cancellations as the airline adjusts to reopened routes. The disruptions followed Iran's missile strikes on US bases in retaliation for American airstrikes on its nuclear facilities. The airline remains cautious, avoiding airspace deemed unsafe while working to restore normal operations.

Key Points: Air India Resumes Middle East and Europe Flights Amid Tensions

  • Air India reinstates Middle East and Europe flights amid reopened airspace
  • Some delays expected due to extended rerouting
  • US-Iran tensions caused earlier cancellations
  • Operations to US and Canada to resume soon
3 min read

Air India to resume flights to Middle East, Europe today

Air India restarts flights to the Middle East and Europe as airspaces reopen following Iran-US tensions, with some delays expected.

"As airspaces gradually reopen, Air India will progressively resume flights to the region starting today. – Air India Spokesperson"

New Delhi, June 24

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Air India announced on Tuesday it will progressively resume flights to the region starting from Tuesday as airspaces gradually reopen in certain parts of the Middle East.

The airlines also said that flight operations to and from Europe will also resume today.

In a statement, Air India spokesperson said, "As airspaces gradually reopen in certain parts of the Middle East, Air India will progressively resume flights to the region starting today, with most operations to and from the Middle East resuming from 25 June. Flights to and from Europe, previously cancelled, are also being progressively reinstated from today, while services to and from the East Coast of the US and Canada will resume at the earliest opportunity. Some flights may experience delays or cancellations due to consequential impacts and extended re-routings/flight times, but we are committed to minimising disruptions and restoring our schedule integrity. Air India will continue to avoid airspaces assessed as unsafe at any given time"

The flight disruptions follow a major escalation on Monday after Iran reportedly launched multiple missiles targeting US military installations in Qatar and Iraq, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar--the largest US military installation in the region, according to a CNN report.

The attacks are believed to be a retaliatory move by Iran following US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities -- Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow -- in the early hours of Sunday.

Two officials familiar with the situation confirmed to CNN that the US is tracking multiple missiles launched from Iran. A White House official said that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine are currently in the Situation Room, closely monitoring the unfolding events.

Earlier, Iran's state TV reported that Iran had begun an operation against a US base in Qatar.

Samaa TV, citing Iranian state TV, dubbed this operation against US bases in the region as 'Operation Basharat al-Fath'.

According to CNN, US personnel at the embassies in Qatar and Bahrain are in "duck and cover" as Iran launches retaliatory missiles toward Qatar and Iraq.

The Qatari foreign ministry wrote on X that its government had temporarily shut down its airspace amid the heightened tensions.

The move follows Iran's announcement of retaliation against the United States, which has heightened security concerns across the Gulf region.

The US Embassy in Doha has also issued alerts to its citizens, advising them to remain in secure shelters until further notice.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Good decision by Air India to resume flights cautiously. Many Indians work in Gulf countries and need to travel for emergencies. Safety first approach is appreciated 🙏 Hope the tensions de-escalate soon for everyone's benefit.
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Priya M.
This is such a relief! My brother was stuck in Dubai for 3 days. Air India should have made better contingency plans though - many passengers were left in the dark about rescheduling. Better communication next time please!
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Amit S.
While I appreciate the resumption, I'm concerned about ticket prices skyrocketing due to rerouting. Government should monitor this - many middle-class families depend on Gulf routes for work and medical travel. #FairPricing
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Sunita R.
As someone whose husband works in Qatar, this news brings so much peace of mind. Air India pilots and crew are doing God's work in these difficult times. Stay safe everyone! ❤️
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Vikram J.
India should develop alternative air routes that don't depend on Middle Eastern airspace. We're too vulnerable to these geopolitical tensions. Time to think long-term about aviation security.
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Neha P.
My Europe trip was cancelled last minute - lost hotel bookings worth ₹25,000. While I understand the safety concerns, Air India should compensate passengers better for such disruptions. Their policy needs improvement.

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