Major impact of Israel-Iran conflict, Air India and IndiGo flights return mid-route as airspace closes

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The sudden escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran in the Middle East has begun affecting India’s aviation sector. Due to ongoing air strikes and rising tensions between the two nations, flights operated by Air India and IndiGo were forced to return to India midway. In view of the security risks arising from the military situation, several international flight routes have been altered, causing inconvenience to passengers.

Airspace closed due to missile attacks

Amid continuous missile strikes and retaliatory action, both Israel and Iran have shut their airspace for commercial flights as a precautionary measure. Due to this closure, Indian aircraft were not permitted to continue their journeys. Considering the emergency situation, flights from Delhi to Tel Aviv and other affected Middle East routes were diverted immediately for safety reasons.

Delhi-Tel Aviv flights most affected

Airline officials confirmed that Air India flight AI139, which departed from Delhi to Tel Aviv on 28 February, could not reach its destination because Israeli airspace was closed. Given the seriousness of the situation, the flight was brought back to India midway. Similarly, the return flight AI140 from Tel Aviv to Delhi has also been severely affected by the ongoing conflict. Airlines are continuously monitoring the situation while keeping passenger safety as the top priority.