In the wake of intensifying geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, multiple Air India international flights have been diverted or forced to return mid-air due to potential risks in affected airspace. This follows Israel’s targeted military strikes on Iran, which have further disrupted global aviation routes.
As per official updates, the following Air India flights were impacted:
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AI129 (Mumbai–London Heathrow) – Returned to Mumbai
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AI119 (Mumbai–New York) – Returned to Mumbai
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AI103 (Delhi–Washington) – Returned to Delhi
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AI106 (Newark–Delhi) – Returned to Delhi
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AI189 (Delhi–Toronto) – Returned to Delhi
Several others were diverted mid-route to safer airspaces, including:
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AI116 (New York–Mumbai) – Diverted to Jeddah
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AI2018 (London Heathrow–Delhi) – Diverted to Mumbai
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AI188 (Vancouver–Delhi) – Diverted to Jeddah
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AI101 (Delhi–New York) – Diverted to Frankfurt or Milan
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AI126 (Chicago–Delhi) – Diverted to Jeddah
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AI132 (London Heathrow–Bengaluru) – Diverted to Sharjah
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AI2016 (London Heathrow–Delhi) – Diverted to Vienna
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AI104 (Washington–Delhi) – Diverted to Vienna
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AI190 (Toronto–Delhi) – Diverted to Frankfurt
Early Friday, Israel launched precision strikes on Iran, targeting key nuclear and ballistic missile facilities as well as high-ranking military leadership, in what officials described as the beginning of a sustained campaign to halt Iran’s nuclear weapons development.
The Indian Embassy in Iran issued an urgent advisory to all Indian nationals to stay vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow all local safety protocols.
These developments come a day after the deadly Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which has already shaken global aviation confidence and led to scrutiny of flight safety and rerouting protocols.
