Tensions Soar in West Asia: Air India Diverts Multiple Flights Amid Israeli Strikes on Iran

New Delhi, 13th June 2025: In response to Israel’s recent military offensive on Iranian territory, Air India was compelled to reroute or recall numerous international flights on Friday due to the closure of Iranian airspace and mounting regional instability.

The national carrier confirmed the diversions in a post on X (formerly Twitter), citing passenger safety as the top priority. “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,” the airline posted.

According to live flight-tracking service Flightradar24, flight AI129 from Mumbai to London, which had taken off early Friday morning, made a mid-air U-turn back to Mumbai. A host of other flights were similarly affected:

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 – Returned to Mumbai

AI119 – Mumbai to New York – Returned to Mumbai

AI103 – Delhi to Washington – Returned to Delhi

AI106 – Newark to Delhi – Returned to Delhi

AI188 – Vancouver to Delhi – Diverted 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 – Returned to Delhi

The airline further stated that passengers affected by these operational changes can avail either full refunds or complimentary rescheduling. “Alternative travel arrangements are being made to ensure all guests reach their destinations safely,” the airline added.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Iran issued an urgent advisory to Indian citizens and persons of Indian origin residing in the country. The statement urged them to remain cautious, restrict non-essential movement, follow local advisories, and stay updated through the Embassy’s official social media platforms.

The advisory came after a series of explosions rocked several locations across Iran following Israeli airstrikes aimed at nuclear and military facilities. In Tehran, Iranian state media broadcast visuals of fire and plumes of smoke rising from an installation linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the eastern part of the city.

Explosions were also reported in Natanz, located in the Isfahan province, where one of Iran’s critical uranium enrichment sites is based. State television confirmed multiple impacts in the area, with heavy smoke visible over the facility.

Israeli officials stated that the military operation is targeted at dismantling what they describe as “imminent nuclear threats” and affirmed that actions would continue until the threat is completely neutralised.

The volatile situation has sparked global concern, with air travel disruptions being one of the immediate international ripple effects.