New Delhi: Air India has cancelled a few long-haul flights to the United States and cautioned passengers about possible delays on certain European routes following the shutdown of Iranian airspace, sources said on Thursday.
According to officials familiar with the matter, at least three US-bound flights have been called off. These include two services operating from Delhi to New York and Newark, and one flight from Mumbai to New York. The cancellations come amid operational challenges triggered by changes in permitted flight corridors.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Air India said the evolving situation in Iran and the resulting closure of its airspace had compelled the airline to alter flight paths in the interest of passenger safety. The carrier noted that aircraft normally flying over the region are now being diverted via alternative routes, a move that is expected to increase travel time on several sectors.
The airline added that while many services are being rerouted, a few flights have had to be cancelled altogether as suitable alternate paths were not feasible. Air India expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and described the disruption as unavoidable.
Iranian airspace is a key corridor for Air India’s operations to the US and parts of Europe. While Iraqi airspace is being considered as an alternative, the longer distance poses fuel-related constraints for certain ultra-long-haul flights, making some US services unviable under the current circumstances, sources explained.
The situation is further complicated by the continued closure of Pakistani airspace, which has already forced Indian carriers to operate westbound flights on extended routes. The combined impact has placed additional strain on scheduling and aircraft operations.
The airspace restrictions come at a time of rising tensions between Iran and the United States, with concerns growing internationally over the possibility of a wider conflict. Airlines across the region are closely monitoring developments as they reassess flight plans to ensure safety while minimising disruption to passengers.
