Israel-Iran War forces PM Modi's 'Air India One' to take a detour to the G-7 Summit
The escalating war between Iran and Israel has unleashed chaos in West Asia's skies, plunging air travel into a fresh crisis. Airspaces are closed down, and major airlines are scrambling, cancelling flights left and right. Even VIPs aren't spared. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Air India-1 is set to jet off from Delhi on Sunday to attend the G-7 Summit and other bilateral engagements in Cyprus and Croatia. However, his flight for this three-nation tour would be longer than usual due to the mounting tension in the West Asian skies. Before reaching Kananaskis in Canada, Air India One would land in Larnaca in Cyprus. The normal flight path to Cyprus would have been through the airspaces of Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, but with tensions rising, this route is closed. Even alternate routes — the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Jordan — are tangled in regional strife. Pakistan's airspace has been off-limits to Indian planes since Operation Sindoor (May 7-10). According to sources, even VIP flights, including Modi's Air India One, would have to face strict restrictions. The Delhi-to-Larnaca trip, which is normally 8-9 hours, will stretch due to detours for safety. After taking off from Delhi on Sunday at around 7:30 am, Air India One would land in Larnaca by 3:00 pm. He'll spend 24 hours in Cyprus and leave for Canada on June 16, avoiding the war zone of Russia-Ukraine.advertisementIsrael's June 13, 2025, airstrikes on Iran have spiked tensions afresh. Israel, Iran, and many neighbouring countries have closed their airspaces to civilian flights. Flights from India to Europe and North America are now taking extended routes. This has increased travel time and upped fuel and travel expenses. Estimates suggest flight times to North America and the West are up by 1-2 hours. Operating costs for airlines have gone up by 12%. Indian carriers like Air India and IndiGo have already axed over a dozen flights. The skies are tense, and travellers are paying the price.Tune InMust Watch
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