As hostilities between Iran and Israel intensify, Air India has diverted or recalled multiple international flights as a precautionary measure. With Iranian airspace closed due to the conflict, several long-haul flights to and from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada were forced to alter their routes or return to their departure points.
Air India confirmed on Friday that the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority amid the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.
“Given the current developments in Iran, including the closure of its airspace, certain Air India flights have been rerouted or asked to return. Passenger safety is our utmost concern,” the airline said in an official statement.
Flights Affected Include:
Diverted Flights:
AI130: London Heathrow to Mumbai – diverted to Vienna
AI102: New York to Delhi – diverted to Sharjah
AI116: New York to Mumbai – diverted to Jeddah
AI2018: London Heathrow to Delhi – diverted to Mumbai
AI188: Vancouver to Delhi – diverted to Jeddah
AI101: Delhi to New York – diverted to Frankfurt or Milan
AI126: Chicago to Delhi – diverted to Jeddah
AI132: London Heathrow to Bengaluru – diverted to Sharjah
AI2016: London Heathrow to Delhi – diverted to Vienna
AI104: Washington to Delhi – diverted to Vienna
AI190: Toronto to Delhi – diverted to Frankfurt
Returning to Origin:
AI129: Mumbai to London Heathrow – returned to Mumbai
AI119: Mumbai to New York – returned to Mumbai
AI103: Delhi to Washington – returned to Delhi
AI106: Newark to Delhi – returned to Delhi
AI189: Delhi to Toronto – returned to Delhi
Air India has apologized for the disruption and assured that all efforts are being made to minimize inconvenience. Passengers affected by these changes are being offered hotel accommodations, full refunds, or free rescheduling.
“We are working on alternate travel arrangements for our guests. Affected passengers are encouraged to check their flight status regularly and contact our support channels for assistance,” the airline added.
India Urges Nationals in Israel to Stay Alert
Amid growing regional instability, the Embassy of India in Tel Aviv has issued a safety advisory to Indian citizens currently residing in or visiting Israel. The warning follows a series of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory early Friday, which have triggered concerns of a wider conflict engulfing the region.
In a message posted on social media, the Indian mission in Israel urged its nationals to limit travel, stay near secure locations, and remain vigilant.
“In view of the prevailing situation, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay alert and follow safety instructions from Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command,” the embassy wrote, sharing the official Israeli emergency website (https://oref.org.il/eng).
The advisory comes shortly after Israel declared a special state of emergency and launched what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as a “targeted military operation” aimed at neutralizing perceived threats from Iran.
“This operation will continue as long as necessary to eliminate the threat to Israel’s survival,” Netanyahu said in a televised address.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the strikes were preemptive in nature, aimed at disrupting what he called “imminent threats.” Heightened security protocols have since been activated across Israel, and explosions were reported in multiple locations in Tehran.
Passengers and Citizens Urged to Stay Informed
Back home, the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi also issued an alert to passengers traveling to or transiting through Iran and Iraq. Travelers have been asked to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight updates.
The Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the situation and has urged all Indian nationals in affected areas to stay connected with their local embassies.
As tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, Indian authorities remain focused on ensuring the safety of its citizens both in the air and on the ground.