Iran's Sudden Airspace Closure Sparks Aviation Crisis

Iran's unexpected closure of its airspace early Thursday created a potential aviation crisis, with IndiGo's flight from Georgia narrowly escaping the restrictions. Airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, have warned passengers about possible flight disruptions and are advising them to check their travel statuses. The closure, which lasted over four hours, has raised concerns about the implications for international flights and has sparked speculation about potential military actions in the region. As tensions rise, airlines are working to assist affected travelers with rebooking and refunds. Read on for a detailed overview of the situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 15, 2026, 11:33 IST

A Major Aviation Crisis Averted

In a surprising move early Thursday, Iran closed its airspace, potentially leading to a significant aviation crisis. An IndiGo flight from Georgia to Delhi managed to exit the airspace just moments before the closure took effect. Reports indicate that the IndiGo aircraft left Iran's airspace shortly before the complete shutdown was enforced.

Timely Escape from a Major Crisis

Flight tracking data revealed that IndiGo flight 6E 1808, which was en route from Tbilisi, Georgia, to Delhi, was flying over Iran when the sudden order to close the airspace was issued from Tehran. Fortunately, the aircraft had already crossed the Iranian airspace boundary as the restrictions were implemented.

Airlines Issue Warnings

Following the airspace closure, IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet alerted passengers about possible flight disruptions. The airlines advised travelers to check their flight statuses and explore available options. IndiGo confirmed that some of its international flights were affected and is working to assist impacted customers with rebooking or refunds.

Air India and SpiceJet Respond

In its advisory, Air India stated that flights over the region are being rerouted where possible, which may lead to delays, while those that cannot be rerouted are being canceled. SpiceJet also warned that some flights might be impacted and urged passengers to verify their flight status before heading to the airport.

Iran's Airspace Closure Explained

Without providing any explanation, Iran shut its airspace to commercial flights early Thursday. The airspace remained restricted for over four hours, forcing international airlines to reroute their flights north and south of the country. Previously, Iran had closed its airspace during conflicts, including a 12-day war against Israel in June.

Speculations of an Imminent Attack

The rapid emergency measures, including the airspace closure and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from their largest military base in the Middle East, have led to speculation that an attack on Tehran could be imminent. This follows threats from President Donald Trump regarding actions against the Islamic Republic in response to protests.

Military Insights

A Western military official indicated to media sources that signs suggest an American attack could occur soon, but also cautioned that the Trump administration often employs such tactics to keep adversaries off balance. The official noted, "Unpredictability is part of the strategy," as U.S. troops withdrew amid stern warnings from Iran to neighboring countries with U.S. military bases.