As tensions mount in the Middle East following Iran’s attack on a US airbase in Qatar, Air India on Tuesday said it is suspending all flight operations across the Middle East, as well as on the east coast of North America and Europe, until further notice.
Air India Reroutes Flights and Issues Passenger Advisory
An Air India spokesperson explained that all North America-bound flights to India are being routed back to their respective points of departure, while others are being routed back to India or diverted around the closed airspace.
“Amid the developing situation in the Middle East, Air India has ceased all operations to the region as well as to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe with immediate effect, until further notice,” a spokesperson of the airline said.
“Our India-bound flights from North America are diverting back to their respective origins and others are being diverted back to India or re-routed away from the closed airspace. We request the understanding of all passengers who may be affected by this disruption that’s beyond an airline’s control.”
Airlines worldwide were on high alert again after Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait temporarily closed their countries’ airspace when Iran launched an attack against the Al Udeid United States military base in Doha.
Air India Express Cancels Flights to Doha
Earlier today, Air India Express cancelled two flights to Doha because Qatar airspace was closed.
“As a result of the ongoing situation in the Middle East and suspension of Qatar airspace, Air India Express has diverted our Doha-bound flight from Kochi to Muscat and returned our flight bound from Kannur,” the airline said in a statement.
The airline maintained that it does not have any other flights headed to Qatar and there are no planes on the ground in Qatar.
IndiGo Also Affected by Middle East Airspace Closures
IndiGo Airlines also stated that recent developments in the Middle East have affected its flight operations in the region.
“In light of the recent developments in the Middle East, flight arrivals and departures from Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Ras AI-Khaimah and Tbilisi are impacted,” the airlines said.
“We are actively monitoring the situation and adjusting our operations to ensure the highest level of safety for our customers and crew.”
