Multiple Air India flights diverted or return to origin amid Iran airspace closure
By Aditya Bhagchandani Published on June 13, 2025, 09:27 IST
Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, Air India has announced major diversions and flight turnarounds due to the sudden closure of Iranian airspace, citing passenger safety as its top priority. The airline released a list of 16 international flights that have been rerouted or recalled to their point of origin as air corridors over Iran become inaccessible following Israel's military offensive. Key Air India flight disruptions as of Friday: 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): Returned to Delhi
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 Indian carrier stated that these changes were necessary to ensure the safety of passengers, following sudden and intense airspace restrictions over Iran.
This operational crisis also follows closely on the heels of a devastating tragedy involving Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating on the Ahmedabad–London Gatwick route, which crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12. The flight, with 242 people onboard, including two pilots and ten crew members, issued a MAYDAY call but lost contact with ATC moments later.
The aircraft crashed into a densely populated residential zone in the Meghani Nagar locality near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, resulting in widespread destruction. In addition to the aircraft fatalities, over 75 civilians from the neighborhood are feared dead, taking the confirmed death toll to 317.
Authorities have begun investigations, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed that the aircraft was commanded by Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal, an experienced pilot with over 8,200 flight hours. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.
As the airline grapples with twin emergencies—both operational and humanitarian—Air India is working with local and international authorities to ensure assistance and support for all affected families.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
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