Mumbai: Air India has significantly altered its flight operations across the Persian gulf due to heightened tensions in the iran-israel conflict. The airline announced it is avoiding the airspaces of Iran, Iraq, and Israel, opting for alternative routes to ensure passenger safety. This decision, effective immediately, impacts flights to destinations like the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, as well as select services to Europe and North America, leading to extended travel times.
The rerouting follows Israel’s military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks, which prompted widespread airspace closures across the Middle East. Air india express, a subsidiary, has canceled several Middle East flights due to lower bookings and airspace congestion. The airline is offering refunds or complimentary rescheduling to affected passengers.
Sources report a 20% drop in Air india bookings since the Ahmedabad plane crash on June 12, adding to the operational challenges. Air India is closely monitoring the situation, consulting external security advisors, and notifying passengers of changes. Travelers are advised to check flight statuses on Air India’s website. The Indian government continues evacuation efforts for nationals in Iran amid the volatile regional dynamics