Indian Flights Disrupted After Iran Closes Airspace Amid Unrest

Indian Flights Disrupted After Iran Closes Airspace Amid Unrest

Several international flights operated by Indian carriers were disrupted on Thursday after Iran shut its airspace, triggering delays, rerouting, and cancellations. Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet confirmed the impact, citing safety concerns as unrest intensifies inside Iran and tensions with the United States continue to rise.

Air India said some of its long-haul services that typically pass through Iranian airspace have been diverted to alternate routes. While this has allowed many flights to operate, the detours have led to longer travel times. In cases where rerouting was not feasible, flights were cancelled.

“Passenger and crew safety remains our top priority,” the airline said, advising travellers to check flight status before leaving for the airport.

IndiGo also acknowledged disruptions, calling the airspace closure sudden and beyond the airline’s control. The carrier said its operations teams are actively reviewing the situation and assisting affected passengers with flexible rebooking options or refunds, depending on individual preferences.

SpiceJet issued a similar advisory, attributing changes to flight schedules directly to Iran’s decision to block civilian aircraft from its skies. The airline expressed regret over the inconvenience but stressed that safety considerations were driving all operational decisions.

Trump Urges Iranians to Keep Protesting

Iran ordered the closure of its airspace to commercial traffic without issuing a public explanation. Aviation notices circulated to pilots indicated the restriction would remain in effect at least until early morning local time, though the duration could change depending on developments.

The move comes amid widespread protests across Iran and a harsh government crackdown that has drawn international attention. At the same time, relations between Tehran and Washington remain strained, adding to concerns over regional stability.

This is not the first time Iran has restricted its airspace during periods of heightened tension. Similar measures were taken during military exchanges with Israel and earlier conflicts in the region. Aviation risk-monitoring platforms have since warned that most international airlines are now steering clear of Iranian airspace due to the possibility of missile activity or air defence misidentification, both of which pose serious risks to civilian aircraft.

With the situation still unfolding, airlines are bracing for further disruptions if restrictions remain in place. For passengers, the episode highlights how geopolitical flashpoints can quickly ripple through global travel networks, often with little warning.