In response to the escalating tensions in Iran, major Indian airlines are implementing significant operational adjustments to prioritize passenger safety. IndiGo has announced the cancellation of specific international flights, while Air India is closely monitoring the situation to make informed routing decisions.
IndiGo's Proactive Flight Schedule Changes
IndiGo, India's largest airline by market share, has taken decisive action by cancelling its flights from Delhi to Tbilisi and from Mumbai to Almaty, along with their return journeys, scheduled for late January. This move comes as a precautionary measure amidst the volatile geopolitical climate in West Asia.
In an official statement released on social media platform X, IndiGo emphasized its commitment to safety, stating, "In view of the recent developments around Iran, we are making certain proactive changes to our flight schedules as part of our continued focus on safety." The airline has also introduced refuelling halts at Doha for flights operating to and from Tbilisi, Almaty, Baku, and Tashkent, ensuring adequate fuel reserves for alternative routes if needed.
Air India's Cautious Approach and EASA Advisory
Air India, another key player in the Indian aviation sector, had previously halted overflying Iran on its Europe-bound flights following a critical advisory from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued on January 16. The EASA advisory highlighted severe risks, noting that the heightened alert of Iranian air defence forces and the potential for misidentification pose a significant threat to civil aviation at all altitudes.
The advisory explicitly warned, "Given the ongoing situation and the potential for US military action... there is currently an increased likelihood of misidentification within Iranian airspace. Air operators should not operate within the airspace of Iran at all altitudes and flight levels." While this directive primarily applies to third-country operators authorized by EASA, Air India has adhered to these guidelines as a precaution.
Dynamic Decision-Making in Real Time
The situation remains highly fluid, with airlines frequently altering flight paths in real-time to navigate the troubled airspace of West Asia. Air India, which had been utilizing the safer eastern corridors of Iran for its North American flights, plans to reassess this strategy once operations resume after the recent snowstorm on the East Coast of the United States.
Currently, Air India and several other carriers continue to overfly Iraq, but the final decision on Iranian airspace will depend on ongoing developments. The airline industry is maintaining a vigilant stance, ready to adapt quickly to any changes in the geopolitical landscape to ensure the utmost safety for all passengers and crew.
