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Key Points

Air India has been forced to divert or return numerous international flights due to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. The airline's decision comes after widespread airspace uncertainties in the region, impacting routes to the US, UK, and Canada. Affected flights are being rerouted to alternative destinations like Vienna, Sharjah, Jeddah, and Frankfurt to ensure passenger safety. Air India is providing accommodation, refunds, and rescheduling options for impacted travelers while urging them to stay updated on their flight status.

Key Points: Air India Flights Diverted Amid Iran-Israel Escalating Tensions

  • Multiple international flights diverted to alternate destinations
  • Air India offering refunds and rescheduling options
  • Passengers advised to check flight status
  • Safety concerns dominate route changes
2 min read

Several Air India flights diverted or returning back as Iran-Israel conflict escalates

Multiple Air India international flights rerouted due to airspace closures and safety concerns in Iran-Israel conflict zone

"Due to the emerging situation in Iran... safety of our passengers - Air India Official Statement"

New Delhi, June 13

Air India on Friday said that owing to the emerging situation in Iran, several international flights to the US, the UK and Canada were either being diverted or returning to their origin. The advisory came after escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel and the uncertainties over the airspace in the region.

“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,” Air India said in a statement.

The flights affected are 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 (Returning to Mumbai); AI119 – Mumbai-New York (Returning to Mumbai); AI103 – Delhi-Washington (Returning to Delhi); AI106 – Newark-Delhi (Returning to Delhi); 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); and AI189 – Delhi-Toronto (Returning to Delhi).

The airline said it regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers due to this unforeseen disruption and is making every effort to minimise it, including providing accommodation for passengers.

“Refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling is also being offered to guests who opt for it. Alternative arrangements are being made to fly passengers to their destinations. We advise all our passengers to check their flight status,” said Air India.

Earlier, the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) issued an advisory to passengers travelling to Iran and Iraq, asking them to check with the airlines they were flying with, to find out the latest schedules and updates.

The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has also issued an advisory to Indian nationals currently in Israel, urging them to stay vigilant, avoid non-essential movement, and follow local safety instructions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Safety first! Air India made the right call diverting flights. Better late than sorry when it comes to passenger lives. But hope they provide proper food and accommodation for stranded passengers. Our airlines need to handle crises better than they did during COVID.
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Priya M.
My cousin was on AI102 from NY to Delhi! Got stuck in Sharjah for 18 hours before alternate arrangements. Air India should've anticipated this earlier given tensions were building up. But at least they're offering refunds/rescheduling. 🤞 Hope situation de-escalates soon.
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Amit S.
This shows how global conflicts affect common people. Many Indians work in Middle East and West - their families must be worried sick. Government should arrange special flights once airspace opens. Jai Hind!
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Sunita R.
Why isn't our media talking about how this impacts oil prices? Petrol will become costlier again if this continues. Middle East tensions always hit Indian economy hard. Government should think about strategic oil reserves.
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Vikram J.
Good to see Indian embassy issuing advisories promptly. Our diplomats are working hard while these conflicts happen. But Air India website crashed when everyone tried checking flight status - need better IT infrastructure for emergencies!
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Neha P.
This is why we need more direct flights avoiding Middle East airspace. Maybe through Russia or other routes. Paying extra fuel cost is better than last-minute diversions. Hope aviation ministry considers this long-term solution 🙏

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