Following India’s advisory urging its citizens to avoid travel to Iran and Israel due to heightened tensions between the two nations, Air India flights heading westwards towards Europe and beyond are now altering their routes to bypass Iranian airspace, alongside several other international carriers, as confirmed by sources on Saturday. Reports from online media also mentioned a flight-tracking website showing an Air India flight to London on Saturday morning avoiding Iranian airspace.
In addition to Air India, Vistara flights also adjusted their routes to avoid Iranian airspace for west-bound flights on Saturday. Industry sources suggest that Air India flights bound for Europe may experience up to 45 minutes of additional travel time. Flights to the Middle East operated by Air India, however, will remain unaffected as they traverse south of Iranian airspace. This change comes after the Ministry of External Affairs advised Indian nationals to refrain from traveling to Iran and Israel.
Despite the advisory, Air India operated its flight to Tel Aviv on Saturday without any cancellations. Notably, no Indian carrier operates flights to Iran. Flights from Mumbai to Europe typically fly over Iran, while those from Delhi can opt for routes via Iran or through Afghanistan and Tajikistan. On Saturday, Vistara’s Mumbai-Europe flights took the northern route via Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
Similarly, Air India flights from Ahmedabad and Kochi to London also avoided Iranian airspace on Saturday. Vistara issued a statement acknowledging the situation, stating that they are adjusting flight paths and utilizing contingency routes to ensure operational continuity amidst the current circumstances, which may result in longer flight times and associated delays on certain routes. The financial implications for both airlines and passengers remain uncertain if tensions in West Asia escalate further, potentially leading to a major conflict in the region.
India’s advisory came in the wake of escalating tensions, with Iran blaming Israel for an attack on an Iranian diplomatic mission in Syria and vowing retaliation against the Jewish State. As a precautionary measure, New Delhi advised Indians against traveling to Iran or Israel until further notice, urging those already in these countries to register with Indian embassies and exercise utmost caution regarding their safety and movements.