Air India Diverts Multiple International Flights Amid Iran Airspace Closure

Following the emerging security situation in Iran and the closure of its airspace, Air India has announced a series of flight diversions and returns affecting several of its international routes. The airline cited passenger safety as its top priority while confirming disruptions across major transcontinental services.

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The diversions and returns are as follows: AI130 (London Heathrow-Mumbai) has been diverted to Vienna; AI102 (New York-Delhi) to Sharjah; AI116 (New York-Mumbai) to Jeddah; AI2018 (London Heathrow-Delhi) to Mumbai; AI129 (Mumbai-London Heathrow) is returning to Mumbai; AI119 (Mumbai-New York) returning to Mumbai; AI103 (Delhi-Washington) returning to Delhi; AI106 (Newark-Delhi) returning to Delhi; AI188 (Vancouver-Delhi) diverted to Jeddah; AI101 (Delhi-New York) diverting to Frankfurt or Milan; AI126 (Chicago-Delhi) diverting to Jeddah; AI132 (London Heathrow-Bengaluru) to Sharjah; AI2016 (London Heathrow-Delhi) to Vienna; AI104 (Washington-Delhi) to Vienna; AI190 (Toronto-Delhi) to Frankfurt; and AI189 (Delhi-Toronto) returning to Delhi.

The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers due to these unforeseen disruptions. Air India assured travelers that every effort is being made to minimize the impact, including providing accommodation, offering full refunds on cancellations, or complimentary rescheduling for those opting for alternative plans. Arrangements are also underway to fly affected passengers to their destinations through revised schedules.

The diversions come after the tragic crash of an Air India flight on Thursday in Ahmedabad. The aircraft, carrying 244 passengers en route to London, crashed shortly after takeoff near a medical college hostel close to the city’s airport. Flames engulfed the crash site as news of the disaster spread rapidly across India, shaking the nation. Parts of the plane’s fuselage were scattered over the area, with firefighters and Indian army teams engaged in ongoing rescue and recovery operations. Authorities have confirmed only one survivor from the crash.

As international tensions escalate and the safety situation in the region remains uncertain, Air India continues to monitor developments closely to ensure the safety and well-being of its passengers.