Air India suspends all flights operating over Middle Eastern airspace
Air India suspends all flights operating over Middle Eastern airspace
Following Iran’s missile strikes targeting
Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which houses US forces, Air India on Monday announced the immediate suspension of all flights operating over Middle Eastern airspace,
The decision comes amid escalating regional tensions and the temporary closure of Qatari airspace, which serves as a crucial transit corridor for Indian aviation connecting Europe, West Asia, and Africa.
In a separate and broader move, the national carrier also suspended operations to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe. “Amid the developing situation in the Middle East, Air India has ceased all operations to the region as well as to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe with immediate effect, until further notice,” an Air India spokesperson said.
A statement added that India-bound flights from North America are diverting back to their respective origins and others are being diverted back to India or re-routed away from the closed airspaces. It was a request to all passengers who may be affected by this disruption that’s beyond an airline’s control. Air India is in continuous consultation with its external security advisors and is vigilantly monitoring the evolving situation. We will keep our passengers informed of any updates. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our number one priority.
In a statement issued after the Iranian attacks, Air India Express confirmed that it had already diverted and cancelled operations on impacted routes. “As a result of the ongoing situation in the Middle East and suspension of Qatar airspace, Air India Express has diverted our Doha-bound flight from Kochi to Muscat and returned our flight bound from Kannur,” the airline spokesperson said.
The airline clarified that it currently has “no other flights bound for Qatar” and that “Air India Express has no aircraft on the ground in Qatar.”
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier confirmed that Iranian missiles had targeted the Al-Udeid base, calling it a violation of its sovereignty and warning of further instability if hostilities continue. The base was evacuated in advance, and no casualties were reported.
Kuwait Airways, IndiGo and Pakistan’s PIA, have all suspended flights to Middle East and issued advisories.
News Edit KV Raman
