In light of rising tensions between Israel and Iran, Air India has announced the diversion and return of 16 international flights. This significant move comes as Iranian airspace has been closed, prompting the airline to prioritize passenger safety amidst a geopolitical crisis.
On Friday morning, Air India released a travel advisory detailing the affected flights and their new destinations. Flights from major hubs like Delhi and Toronto faced major disruptions, resulting in alterations to several routes.
For instance, AI132, initially destined for London Heathrow, was diverted to Sharjah. Other flights faced similar rerouting or returns, marking a substantial operational shift for the airline.
Understanding the inconvenience this may cause, Air India is offering affected passengers complimentary rescheduling options or full refunds. In their advisory, the airline expressed regret over the unexpected disruptions and reassured passengers that steps are being taken to mitigate the impacts. They also emphasized the importance of keeping informed by checking the official flight status page available through their website.
This operational shake-up is set against a backdrop of military escalation in the Middle East, with Israel launching targeted airstrikes on Iranian facilities. These strikes are viewed as a direct response to Israel’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, further straining the already fragile relations between the two nations.
Stay alert and check your flight status if you are among those affected. Air India remains committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of its passengers during these turbulent times.