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Flight Disruptions Due to Iranian Airspace Closure

New Delhi, June 14: In light of rising tensions in the Middle East, two major Indian airlines, Air India and IndiGo, have issued advisories to inform travelers about potential flight delays and reroutes caused by the closure of Iranian airspace. Air India announced on Saturday that it has adjusted several flight paths due to these airspace restrictions, opting for longer alternative routes to prioritize the safety of its passengers and crew.

In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Air India emphasized: “Given the current situation in Iran and surrounding areas, along with the closure of airspace, we are operating some flights on extended alternative routes to ensure passenger safety. We are committed to minimizing any inconvenience caused by this unexpected airspace closure. The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority.”

This advisory comes as airspace over Iran and adjacent regions remains closed following a series of escalations in the area.

The situation has notably affected numerous international flight routes that typically pass through Iranian airspace, especially those connecting India with Europe and North America.

IndiGo, which holds the title of India's largest airline by market share, also released a statement on X, alerting passengers to possible disruptions.

“Airspace over Iran and nearby regions is still unavailable. Some flight paths may require adjustments, which could lead to longer travel times or delays,” the airline noted in its advisory.

IndiGo has encouraged passengers to verify their flight status through its website or mobile app before arriving at the airport to avoid any last-minute issues. The airline has assured that its customer service teams are actively supporting travelers affected by these delays.

Both airlines are collaborating to reroute impacted flights through alternative air corridors, which may extend flying times. Consequently, numerous services to and from Europe, the Gulf, and Central Asia are experiencing delays ranging from 30 minutes to several hours.

Travelers are advised to stay informed about real-time flight schedules and maintain communication with their respective airline helplines.

The ongoing geopolitical uncertainty follows Iran's reaction to recent Israeli airstrikes, raising broader concerns regarding regional security and airspace safety. Aviation authorities in various countries have already issued NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), advising airlines to steer clear of the region until further notice.

While airlines assure that passenger safety is their top concern, industry experts suggest that the airspace disruption may persist for several days or even weeks, depending on the diplomatic developments.

For now, travelers heading to the West or transiting through the Middle East are advised to plan accordingly, allow extra time for connections, and exercise patience as airlines navigate the intricate airspace restrictions.