**Air India Flights Disrupted Following Iran’s Airspace Closure**
**Meta Description:** Air India flights were diverted or returned due to Iran’s airspace closure after an Israeli strike, impacting numerous international routes.
**URL Slug:** air-india-flights-diverted-iran-airspace-closure
**Headline:** Air India Flights Diverted as Iran Closes Airspace After Israeli Strike
In a significant development, at least 16 Air India flights were either diverted or forced to return to their departure airports after Iran closed its airspace in response to an Israeli strike in Tehran on Friday. This closure has affected various international routes, including multiple flights from New York to Delhi, as well as services from Delhi and Mumbai to London and New York.
The airline reported that the following flights were impacted:
– **AI130** – London Heathrow to Mumbai – Diverted to Vienna
– **AI102** – New York to Delhi – Diverted to Sharjah
– **AI116** – New York to Mumbai – Diverted to Jeddah
– **AI2018** – London Heathrow to Delhi – Diverted to Mumbai
– **AI129** – Mumbai to London Heathrow – Returning to Mumbai
– **AI119** – Mumbai to New York – Returning to Mumbai
– **AI103** – Delhi to Washington – Returning to Delhi
– **AI106** – Newark to Delhi – Returning to Delhi
– **AI188** – Vancouver to Delhi – Diverting to Jeddah
– **AI101** – Delhi to New York – Diverting to Frankfurt/Milan
– **AI126** – Chicago to Delhi – Diverting to Jeddah
– **AI132** – London Heathrow to Bengaluru – Diverted to Sharjah
– **AI2016** – London Heathrow to Delhi – Diverted to Vienna
– **AI104** – Washington to Delhi – Diverted to Vienna
– **AI190** – Toronto to Delhi – Diverted to Frankfurt
– **AI189** – Delhi to Toronto – Returning to Delhi
In a statement, Air India emphasized that these measures were taken to ensure passenger safety. The airline is offering refunds, complimentary rescheduling, and alternative travel arrangements for affected passengers.
The Israeli strike on Iran’s capital targeted the country’s nuclear program, escalating tensions between the two nations. This attack is considered one of the most significant military actions against Iran since the 1980s war with Iraq, with multiple sites, including Iran’s main nuclear enrichment facility, being targeted. Reports indicate that General Hossein Salami, the leader of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, was confirmed dead, along with several top military officials and scientists.
The strikes have heightened concerns over Iran’s advancing nuclear capabilities and are expected to provoke a strong response, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warning of “severe punishment” directed at Israel.
**FAQ Section**
**Q: Why were Air India flights diverted?**
A: Air India flights were diverted due to Iran’s closure of its airspace following an Israeli strike in Tehran, which raised safety concerns for international flights.
