Air India Cancels Flights to the US Amid Iranian Airspace Closure
Flight Cancellations and Delays
New Delhi, Jan 15: Air India, the national airline, has announced the cancellation of three flights bound for the United States and has issued warnings regarding potential delays on certain European routes due to the closure of Iranian airspace, as reported by airline officials on Thursday.
The affected flights include two from Delhi to New York and Newark, along with one from Mumbai to New York. This decision comes as airlines reassess their long-haul flight paths in light of the changing security dynamics in the region.
In a statement shared on a microblogging platform, Air India indicated that the closure of Iranian airspace has necessitated the diversion of flights that would typically traverse this area, now requiring alternative routing.
The airline emphasized that ensuring passenger safety is its utmost priority and acknowledged that these rerouted flights may experience extended travel times and delays.
Air India stated, “In light of the evolving situation in Iran and the closure of its airspace, flights that would normally overfly the region are now being rerouted, which may result in delays.”
Experts in the aviation industry have pointed out that Iranian airspace serves as a vital corridor for flights linking India with destinations in Europe and North America.
Any restrictions or closures in this airspace compel aircraft to take longer routes, which can lead to increased flight durations, higher fuel consumption, and extended crew duty times. In some instances, these operational hurdles may render scheduled services unfeasible, resulting in cancellations.
Passengers on the impacted routes are encouraged to verify their flight statuses prior to arriving at the airport.
Air India is actively working to reduce disruptions and is providing assistance to affected travelers regarding rebooking options or refunds as per its policies.
The airline continues to monitor the situation closely, and further changes to international flight schedules may occur if airspace restrictions persist or expand to adjacent regions.
On Wednesday, the Indian government strongly advised its citizens to refrain from traveling to Iran due to the worsening security conditions amid significant anti-government protests and a crackdown on demonstrators.
The situation in Iran has escalated dramatically in recent days, with reports indicating that the death toll from the nationwide protests has surpassed 2,500, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) based in the US.
These protests have also heightened tensions across West Asia, particularly after US President Donald Trump issued warnings to Tehran regarding its violent response to demonstrators, hinting at possible military action.