Air India temporarily suspends flights to Europe, North America amid Middle East tensions

Amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Air India on Tuesday said it has ceased all operations to the region as well as to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe with immediate effect, until further notice.

“Our India-bound flights from North America are diverting back to their respective origins and others are being diverted back to India or re-routed away from the closed airspaces. We request the understanding of all passengers who may be affected by this disruption that’s beyond an airline’s control. Air India is in continuous consultation with its external security advisors and is vigilantly monitoring the evolving situation,” an Air India spokesperson said.

The Tata group-owned airline’s low-cost subsidiary Air India Express too has temporarily suspended flights to the Middle East.

“In view of the evolving situation and the closure of certain airspaces in the Middle East, Air India Express has temporarily suspended flights to the region. Impacted guests are being notified of changes directly on the contact details registered with the airline,” a spokesperson of Air India Express said.

The airline earlier diverted its Doha-bound flight from Kochi to Muscat and returned its flight from Kannur due to the airspace closure over Qatar. “As a result of the ongoing situation in the Middle East and suspension of Qatar airspace, Air India Express has diverted our Doha-bound flight from Kochi to Muscat and returned our flight bound from Kannur. We have no other flights bound for Qatar. Air India Express has no aircraft on the ground in Qatar. We are monitoring the situation closely and will take all necessary precautions for the safety and security of our guests and crew, with inputs from the relevant authorities,” the budget carrier said.

India’s largest carrier, IndiGo, issued a travel advisory, stating in light of the recent developments in the Middle East, flight arrivals and departures from Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Ras AI-Khaimah and Tbilisi are impacted. “We are actively monitoring the situation and adjusting our operations to ensure the highest level of safety for our customers and crew. We understand that diversions/delays disrupt travel plans, and we sincerely regret the inconvenience caused. Impacted customers are advised to check their flight status on our website or app and may explore alternate travel options available online,” the airline said.

Following the ceasefire announcement between Iran and Israel by US President Donald Trump, IndiGo said that as airports across the Middle East gradually reopen, the airline is prudently and progressively resuming operations on these routes. “We continue to monitor the situation closely and are fully considering the safest available flight paths to ensure secure and seamless travel,” it said.