Rising tensions in the Middle East have thrown several Air India flights into chaos. After Israeli airstrikes, Iran shut its airspace, disrupting international routes and forcing sudden changes. One Mumbai-London flight had to turn back after flying for three hours. This, happening after yesterday’s Air India crash, has made the passengers angrier.
Air India confirmed the situation, stating, “Due to the situation in Iran and the closure of its airspace, several of our flights are either being diverted or returning to their origin.”
Affected flights include routes from and to London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, and other major cities.
Flights Impacted and Passenger Support
AI130 – London Heathrow-Mumbai – Diverted to Vienna
AI102 – New York-Delhi – Diverted to Sharjah
AI116 – New York-Mumbai – Diverted to Jeddah
AI2018 – London Heathrow-Delhi – Diverted to Mumbai
AI129 – Mumbai-London Heathrow – Returning to Mumbai
AI119 – Mumbai-New York – Returning to Mumbai
AI103 – Delhi-Washington – Returning to Delhi
AI106 – Newark-Delhi- Diverting to Vienna
AI188 – Vancouver-Delhi – Diverting to Jeddah
AI101 – Delhi-New York – Diverting to Frankfurt/Milan
AI126 – Chicago-Delhi – Diverting to Jeddah
AI132 – London Heathrow-Bengaluru – Diverted to Sharjah
AI2016 – London Heathrow-Delhi – Diverted to Vienna
AI104 – Washington-Delhi – Diverted to Vienna
AI190 – Toronto-Delhi – Diverted to Frankfurt
AI189 – Delhi-Toronto – Returning to Delhi
#TravelAdvisory
Due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace and in view of the safety of our passengers, the following Air India flights are either being diverted or returning to their origin:AI130 – London Heathrow-Mumbai – Diverted to Vienna…
— Air India (@airindia) June 13, 2025
Tension Between Israel and Iran
Tensions between Israel and Iran have reached a dangerous high, shaking the entire Middle East. What began as long-standing hostility has now escalated into direct strikes, leaving ordinary people caught in the crossfire.
Israel and Iran have exchanged a series of drone attacks in recent weeks, intensifying fears of a broader conflict. Drones have struck key military and infrastructure sites on both sides, triggering air raid sirens, blackouts, and panic among civilians.
Families are seeking shelter, airports are on high alert, and fear hangs heavy over daily life. Both nations are flexing military strength, but the real cost is felt by civilians, whose innocent lives are disrupted by decisions far beyond their control.
Air India’s Statement On Rerouting Flights
Amidst the confusion, Air India assured passengers of support and flexibility, “We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen disruption and are making every effort to minimise it, including providing accommodation for passengers. Refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling is also being offered to guests who opt for it. Alternative arrangements are being made to fly passengers to their destinations.”
The situation unfolded shortly after Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion,” a set of pre-dawn strikes targeting high-value military and nuclear sites in Iran.
In response, Iran closed its airspace. But Israel also declared a full airspace lockdown and heightened emergency alerts along its borders. With ongoing tensions, passengers must stay updated on travel advisories and flight changes.