Iran has temporarily closed its airspace amid escalating domestic unrest and rising tensions with the United States and Israel. Following the development, Air India has rerouted several international flights to avoid Iranian airspace, while some services have been cancelled.
Air India Issues Advisory After Iran Shuts Airspace
New Delhi: Amidst escalating protests in Iran and rising international tensions, the country's airspace has been temporarily closed. This decision has impacted international flights. Prioritizing passenger safety, Air India has rerouted several of its flights that previously passed through Iranian airspace. The airline has clarified that alternative routes are now being used instead of flying over Iran.
In a statement, Air India said that flights whose routes could not be changed due to technical or operational reasons have been cancelled. The airline stated that this decision was taken purely as a precautionary measure to protect passengers from any potential risks.
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Air India has also issued special guidelines to minimize inconvenience for passengers. The airline has urged passengers to check their flight status on the website or app before arriving at the airport. This will help avoid unnecessary hassle, delays, and congestion. Rebooking or refund options are also being offered to passengers as needed.
On Thursday morning, Iran extended the closure of its airspace for commercial aircraft without providing any official explanation. Initially, the order was in effect for approximately two hours, but a later notice indicated that the airspace was likely to remain closed until 7:30 AM local time. This decision has affected several international airlines.
Tensions between the United States and Iran are escalating due to the ongoing nationwide protests in Iran and the government's harsh crackdown on them. The airspace closure is considered significant in this context, although the Iranian government has not provided any official reason for the closure.
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Iranian officials have warned that a strong response will be given if the US or Israel interfere in their domestic affairs. It has also been indicated that suspects detained during the protests may face swift trials and harsh sentences.
The tense situation is clearly affecting global aviation services. According to notices issued to pilots, Iran closed its airspace for several hours. Therefore, changes to international flight schedules and routes are likely in the coming days. Passengers are advised to stay updated before traveling.
