Air India diverts 11 flights, returns 5 to origin after closure of Iranian airspace
Air India on Friday diverted 11 flights and returned five to their origin after Iran closed its airspace in response to an Israeli strike on its nuclear facilities. According to flight-tracking platform Flightradar24, the Iranian airspace is now completely empty.
Among the flights affected was an Air India flight from Mumbai to London, which had to make a mid-air return. AI129 departed from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Friday morning but turned back halfway through and returned to Mumbai, according to real-time data from Flightradar24.
CSMIA authorities confirmed the diversion. 'This was undertaken as a precaution because of the Iranian airspace closure,' a CSMIA spokesperson said.
Air India said it is diverting flights and returning some to origin 'due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace and in view of the safety of our passengers'.
Three flights are being diverted to Jeddah and Vienna each, two each to Sharjah and Frankfurt, and one to Mumbai. Another two flights are returning to Mumbai and three to Delhi.
'We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen disruption and are making every effort to minimize it, including providing accommodation for passengers. Refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling is also being offered to guests who opt for it. Alternative arrangements are being made to fly passengers to their destinations,' Air India said.
Explosions rocked Tehran after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the launch of 'Operation Rising Lion', claiming to have hit the core of Iran's nuclear programme—including its main enrichment facility in Natanz. The International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed damage to Iranian nuclear infrastructure.
As tensions escalated, Indian embassies in both Iran and Israel issued advisories urging Indian nationals to avoid 'unnecessary travel' and remain vigilant.
Air India flights affected:
Aggam Walia is a Correspondent at The Indian Express, reporting on power, renewables, and mining. His work unpacks intricate ties between corporations, government, and policy, often relying on documents sourced via the RTI Act. Off the beat, he enjoys running through Delhi's parks and forests, walking to places, and cooking pasta. ... Read More
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