The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi: Several international flights from India are facing delays and cancellations following the closure of Iran’s airspace amid escalating tensions in the region. Indian carriers have issued travel advisories, alerting passengers to possible disruptions and urging them to check flight statuses before travelling to airports.
Air India on Thursday informed passengers that flights overflying the region are being rerouted as a safety precaution, which may lead to longer travel times. In some cases, where alternate routing is not feasible, flights are being cancelled.
“Due to the emerging situation in Iran and the subsequent closure of its airspace, Air India flights overflying the region are now using alternative routings, which may result in delays. Some flights are being cancelled where rerouting is currently not possible,” the airline said in its advisory. Emphasising passenger and crew safety, Air India apologised for the inconvenience and asked travellers to verify flight details on its website before heading to the airport.
IndiGo Airlines also confirmed that some of its international operations have been impacted by the sudden airspace closure. The carrier said its teams are assessing the situation and assisting affected customers by offering suitable alternatives.
“This situation is beyond our control, and we regret the disruption caused to travel plans,” IndiGo stated, advising passengers to explore flexible rebooking options or seek refunds through its website in case of delays or cancellations.
SpiceJet issued a similar advisory, cautioning that certain flights may be affected due to the closure of Iranian airspace. Passengers were advised to check flight statuses online or contact the airline’s reservation helpline for assistance.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had earlier issued a travel advisory on January 5, urging Indian nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Iran in view of the volatile situation. The MEA also advised Indians currently in Iran to exercise caution, steer clear of protest areas, and closely follow updates from the Indian Embassy in Tehran. Indian residents in Iran were further advised to register with the embassy if they had not already done so.
The advisories come amid ongoing unrest in Iran, with sporadic protests reported in Tehran and several other cities. What began as demonstrations over economic issues, including high inflation and currency depreciation, has expanded into wider unrest, with reports of protests at hundreds of locations across the country.
