NEW DELHI: In a significant move prompted by regional security concerns, India's largest airline IndiGo announced on Monday the cancellation of all flight operations to and from four key Central Asian and Caucasian cities until January 28, 2026. The affected destinations include Tbilisi in Georgia, Almaty in Kazakhstan, Tashkent in Uzbekistan, and Baku in Azerbaijan.
Security Assessment Leads to Operational Suspension
The airline confirmed that flights scheduled for January 26, 27, and 28 have been cancelled following a comprehensive review of the security situation in the region surrounding Iran. In an official statement, IndiGo emphasized that passenger safety remains its absolute highest priority, guiding all operational decisions.
The airline stated, "We remain vigilant to developments in the region around Iran and are proactively reviewing flight operations, with safety being our highest priority. In view of the prevailing situation and after careful assessment, IndiGo flights scheduled to operate on 26, 27 and 28 January 2026 to and from Tbilisi, Almaty, Tashkent and Baku have been cancelled."
Background: Escalating Unrest in Iran
This precautionary measure comes as Iran experiences one of its most severe periods of civil unrest in recent decades. The protests, which initially erupted over economic grievances like rising prices and rampant inflation, have since transformed into broader demonstrations challenging the country's political leadership.
Thousands of protesters have flooded the streets of Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, and other major cities, with many openly criticizing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This sustained civil disobedience has created significant regional instability, prompting airlines worldwide to reassess their flight paths and schedules.
Human Cost of the Protests
The human toll of these demonstrations has been substantial. According to reports from rights activists and verified by the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the death toll from the nationwide protests has tragically exceeded 3,000 individuals. Reuters reported that HRANA had verified 3,090 deaths, a figure that includes 2,885 protesters.
This escalating violence and political tension in Iran have directly impacted regional aviation safety assessments, leading to operational changes for carriers like IndiGo that service neighboring airspaces.
Broader Implications for Aviation
IndiGo's decision highlights how geopolitical instability can swiftly affect international air travel. The airline's proactive cancellation reflects a growing trend among global carriers to prioritize passenger and crew safety over operational continuity when faced with uncertain security environments.
The suspension affects multiple routes connecting India with important economic and cultural hubs in Central Asia and the Caucasus region, potentially disrupting travel plans for hundreds of passengers during this period.
As the situation in Iran continues to evolve, airlines operating in the region are likely to maintain heightened vigilance, with further operational adjustments possible depending on security developments in the coming days and weeks.
