Iran Opens Airspace After Hours-Long Closure, Some Indian Flights Disrupted

New Delhi: Iran reopened its airspace after it closed it for hours, late night on Wednesday. The five-hour closure lasted till 10:30 pm (India time) on Wednesday. The shutdown of airspace, amid heightened tensions come after the Ayatollah regime warned of hitting US bases if the later conducts airstrikes on Iran, amid the backdrop of raging protests that had rocked the nation for days. 

During the closure, some Indian airlines, including IndiGo and Air India issued travel advisories mentioning that flights overflying the protest-ridden Middle Eastern country would be using alternate routes, leading to delays in some cases. In cases where rerouting is not possible, those flights were cancelled.

Air India Using Alternative Routing

“Due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, Air India flights overflying the region are now using an alternative routing, which may lead to delays. Some Air India flights where currently rerouting is not possible are being cancelled,” Air India said in a post on X, requesting passengers to check the status of their flights on its official website.

“Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen disruption. Safety of our passengers and crew remain top priority,” the airline added.

IndiGo Says ‘Beyond Our Control’

India's largest airline, IndiGo has also released a similar advisory on X saying, “Due to the sudden airspace closure by Iran, some of our international flights are impacted,” adding that their teams are assessing the situation and supporting its affected customers by offering viable alternatives.

Mentioning that the situation is “beyond their control,” the airline said, “If your flight is impacted, we encourage you to visit our website to explore flexible rebooking options or to claim a refund, as per your preference.”

“We remain committed to keeping you informed and supporting you through this evolving situation. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding,” it added.

SpiceJet Posts Travel Advisory

SpiceJet had also posted a travel advisory on X, asking passengers to check their flight status owing to the closure of airspace in Iran.

Tensions In Iran

The development comes amid Iran closing its airspace to all flights, except some international ones, with permission. Meanwhile, as Iran warned that it may hit American bases if US conducts airstrikes against its regime, the Trump administration has withdrawn some of its personnel from its bases in the region. 

Protests in Iran entered their 20th day on Wednesday. Demonstrations over rising inflation and the sharp fall in Iran's currency has now expanded nationwide, with unrest reported across more than 280 locations.

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