NEW DELHI / MUMBAI — The dramatic escalation of military hostilities between Israel, the United States, and Iran has triggered a massive disruption in international aviation, with Indian carriers suspending operations across the Middle East on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Following the closure of Israeli airspace due to a barrage of approximately 400 retaliatory Iranian missiles, Air India was forced to divert its Delhi-to-Tel Aviv flight (AI139) back to Mumbai after the aircraft had already spent over five hours in the air.
The decision to turn the Boeing 777 around was made while the flight was traversing Saudi Arabian airspace, as the safety of passengers and crew became the primary concern. Air India and IndiGo have both announced a temporary halt to their Middle East flight operations as they reassess the rapidly deteriorating security environment. “We are constantly evaluating the safety situation and will adjust our operations accordingly,” an Air India spokesperson stated, while expressing regret for the inconvenience caused to travellers. To assist those affected, the airline has activated emergency helplines: +91 1169329333 and +91 1169329999.
The conflict reached a fever pitch following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of “major combat operations” against Iran. Reports from Tehran indicate that several cities, including the capital, have been rocked by explosions, with sirens wailing as residents scramble for safety. While Israel targeted military and government infrastructure in Tehran, Iran responded with a massive missile counter-offensive, further complicating the transit corridors between Asia and Europe.
In response to the growing peril, the Indian government has issued an urgent advisory for the more than 51,000 Indian nationals currently residing in the conflict zone—approximately 10,000 in Iran and over 41,000 in Israel. The Indian Embassy has urged citizens to exercise “extreme caution,” avoid all non-essential movement, and remain indoors. Nationals have been advised to stay near designated shelters and familiarise themselves with the safest locations in their immediate vicinity. As the regional “air war” intensifies, the Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of the Indian diaspora.
