As a result of increasing tensions in the area, Air India and multiple Western airlines have initiated the practice of steering clear of Iranian airspace. This choice has been made in light of apprehensions regarding the possibility of conflict escalation, as evidenced by US President Joe Biden’s anticipation of an Iranian assault on Israel.
Air India flights have decided to steer clear of Iranian airspace due to escalating tensions in the Middle East following warnings of potential retaliation for an Israeli attack on Iran’s embassy. Sources revealed this information today. According to Flightradar24, a flight headed to London from Air India took a longer route this morning to avoid Iranian airspace. As a result, the flights are expected to take an additional two hours to reach their destination.
Airlines are choosing alternative routes, like a northern route for Air India’s Delhi-London flight, that avoids flying over Iran but still makes use of Russian airspace. These advancements have contributed to the expansion of existing restricted airspaces, which already include Afghanistan and regions affected by Russia’s conflict in Ukraine, thereby affecting vital air routes.
The conflict between the two Middle Eastern nations escalated when an Israeli airstrike targeted the Iran consulate in Damascus, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including two generals. According to US and other intelligence reports, a retaliatory response may occur as early as Sunday. This unprecedented assault has the potential to spark a full-scale regional conflict.
The Israeli military has stated that while no new instructions have been given to civilians, their forces are currently on high alert and ready for various potential situations. Nations such as India, France, and Russia have advised their citizens against traveling to the region, which is already tense due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, now in its seventh month.
