India-West Flights Face Delays as Airlines Avoid Iran, Iraq Airspace
Flights connecting India with Western destinations are experiencing significant disruptions. Airlines have stopped using the airspace over Iran and Iraq. This decision follows the evolving security situation in the region. The rerouting will make journeys longer for many passengers.
Immediate Flight Cancellations and Disruptions
The Iranian airspace closed suddenly on Wednesday night. This closure forced Air India to cancel several key flights on Thursday morning. The affected services included flights from Delhi to New York JFK, Delhi to Newark, and Mumbai to New York JFK. The return flights for these routes were also cancelled as a direct consequence.
IndiGo faced similar issues. Its early morning flight from Baku to Delhi had to turn back to Azerbaijan. The aircraft returned within an hour of departure. It was scheduled to fly over Iran after crossing the Caspian Sea. The airline could not proceed safely.
Air India announced that it will cancel additional flights where finding an alternative route is not possible. The airline is prioritizing passenger safety above all else.
Rerouting Challenges for Indian Carriers
For Indian airlines, avoiding Iran and Iraq presents a major logistical challenge. It means they cannot fly over the entire stretch from Iraq right up to Pakistan. This forces them to take much longer paths.
IndiGo is now evaluating its flights to Almaty, Tashkent, and Baku. Flying to these destinations from India will require an extraordinarily long detour. Such a route might even necessitate an unscheduled fuel stop, possibly in a location like Jordan. A final decision on these services is expected shortly.
Official Notices and Airline Statements
Authorities issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) late Thursday. It stated that the Tehran Flight Information Region was closed to all flights. The only exceptions were international civil arrivals and departures with prior permission from Iran's aviation authority. A subsequent NOTAM later announced that normal operations had resumed. However, many airlines are continuing to avoid the area as a precaution.
Air India posted an update on social media platform X. The airline cited the emerging situation in Iran and the closure of its airspace. It confirmed that flights are now using alternative routing, which may lead to delays. The statement urged passengers to check their flight status online before heading to the airport. Air India expressed regret for the inconvenience and reaffirmed that safety remains its top priority.
International Airlines Take Similar Precautions
The Lufthansa Group has also implemented significant changes. A company spokesperson confirmed that all its airlines will circumnavigate Iranian and Iraqi airspace until further notice. The group is operating flights to Tel Aviv and Amman only as day flights for a specific period. This means crews fly back immediately without overnight stays. Some flights may face cancellations.
Lufthansa stated it is closely monitoring the situation. The airline will proactively contact affected passengers for rebooking. The spokesperson emphasized that the safety of guests and crew is the highest priority.
Analyst Warnings on Regional Security
A recent analyst update from Osprey Flight Solutions highlights ongoing risks. The report, dated January 11, warns of further violent clashes in Iran's main urban centres. It describes the security situation as fluid and subject to rapid change.
While airport operations have been largely unaffected so far, the analysis notes that disruption is possible in the short term. Potential issues include protest action by airport workers, which could impact staffing levels. Fuel shortages at airports and direct protests near facilities are also cited as possible risks. Airlines are advised to remain cautious.
The collective actions by airlines underscore a heightened focus on safety. Passengers traveling between India, Europe, and North America should prepare for potential schedule changes and longer flight durations in the coming days.
