Air India Flights Diverted as Iran-Israel Conflict Disrupts Airspace

In a stark reminder of how geopolitical tensions can ripple across global travel, several Air India flights were forced to return or divert mid-air due to escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. Among the most notable was flight AI129 from Mumbai to London, which took off at 5:39 am IST but had to return to Mumbai after spending nearly three hours in the air. Data from Flightradar24 confirmed the aircraft’s return journey, reflecting widespread disruption caused by newly imposed airspace restrictions in the Middle East.

Air India, in an official statement, said the decision was made following the closure of Iranian airspace and growing restrictions across the region, including a total airspace lockdown by Israel. The situation stems from Israel’s pre-dawn military operation, named Operation Rising Lion, which targeted strategic Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. In retaliation or as a precaution, Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority swiftly shut down the country’s airspace, throwing flight plans across several global routes into disarray.

The tension has created an immediate logistical challenge for international airlines, particularly those operating transcontinental flights between Asia and Europe or North America. The Middle East remains a critical aerial corridor, and with these key airspaces now restricted, airlines are being forced to reroute, divert, or cancel flights altogether.

A list of affected Air India flights includes long-haul routes that span cities like New York, Toronto, London, and Washington. The scale of disruption has left thousands of passengers stranded or delayed, prompting the airline to initiate emergency measures.

Here are the major Air India flights impacted:

• 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): Returned to Mumbai

• AI119 (Mumbai–New York): Returned to Mumbai

• AI103 (Delhi–Washington): Returned to Delhi

• AI106 (Newark–Delhi): Diverted to Vienna

• AI188 (Vancouver–Delhi): Diverted to Jeddah

• AI101 (Delhi–New York): Diverted to Frankfurt/Milan

• AI126 (Chicago–Delhi): Diverted 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

• AI189 (Delhi–Toronto): Returned to Delhi

The airline has issued a public apology and said it is working to accommodate affected passengers. “We regret the inconvenience caused due to this unforeseen disruption and are making every effort to minimise its impact. Refunds and complimentary rescheduling are being offered. Alternative arrangements are underway to ensure passengers reach their destinations,” said Air India in its statement.

Passengers were also informed that accommodations, meals, and support would be provided where necessary, especially for those forced to disembark in unexpected cities such as Jeddah, Vienna, or Frankfurt.

This disruption comes amid rising hostilities in the Middle East, threatening not just the regional peace but also the global aviation industry. In recent years, conflict zones have regularly impacted international travel. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has already restricted much of Eastern Europe’s airspace, and now with Iran and Israel involved in escalating tensions, the list of inaccessible air routes is growing.

The Israeli military’s strikes—believed to be a response to intelligence about developing nuclear threats—have drawn sharp international criticism. The fear of wider regional conflict has led to heightened emergency readiness on both sides. Israel has locked down its airspace entirely, and security forces are on alert along northern and southern borders.

Airlines across the globe are now recalculating their routes. The safest and most efficient airways often pass through the Middle East, but with these areas now effectively no-fly zones, carriers are forced to take longer and more fuel-intensive detours, driving up operational costs and causing cascading delays.

India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the situation, coordinating with international bodies and providing real-time updates to both passengers and airline operators. Travelers are being advised to check with their respective airlines before heading to the airport, especially those scheduled to fly across Europe, the Middle East, or North America.

This event underscores the fragility of global travel amid ongoing geopolitical instability. The aviation industry, already reeling from post-pandemic recovery and rising fuel costs, now faces the added burden of conflict-induced disruption. As diplomatic efforts try to de-escalate the Iran-Israel situation, passengers and airlines alike must brace for continued uncertainty in the skies.

Reference From: www.ndtv.com