Air India, IndiGo Suspend Flights To Middle East: US-Israel-Iran Conflict Affects Air Routes

Last Updated:February 28, 2026, 15:36 IST

commercial carriers operating through West Asian corridors — a crucial transit route linking India with Europe and North America — have had to reassess flight paths in real time.

Iran, Israel and parts of Iraq have closed their airspaces amid fears of retaliation and further escalation as US and Israel carried out joint strikes in Tehran and other Iranian cities on Saturday. Indian flights were affected as several long-haul international services have been rerouted, delayed or forced to turn back mid-journey. Air India and IndiGo suspended all flights to and from the Gulf.

Airspace over conflict zones is routinely restricted during active hostilities to protect civilian aircraft from potential missile activity or military operations. The latest closures followed coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets, triggering a sharp rise in regional security risks. As a result, commercial carriers operating through West Asian corridors — a crucial transit route linking India with Europe and North America — have had to reassess flight paths in real time.

One of the immediate impacts was felt on Air India’s Delhi–Tel Aviv service (AI139) on February 28. The airline confirmed that the aircraft was compelled to return to India due to the closure of Israeli airspace.

“AI139 operating from Delhi to Tel Aviv on 28 February is returning to India due to closure of air space in Israel and in the interest of safety of passengers and crew," an Air India spokesperson said. “Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen situation and remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety. We will continue to assess the safety and security environment for our flight operations and adjust operations proactively as needed."

Air India later issued a statement on suspension of flights to and from gulf countries. “In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for our passengers and crew. We will continue to assess the safety and security environment for our flight operations and adjust operations proactively as required. Our teams will be extending all necessary support to passengers."

A similar statement was issued by IndiGo.

The closure of Iranian and Iraqi skies has also raised concerns about overflight routes typically used by Indian carriers for services to Europe. Many westbound flights from India pass through Iranian airspace as part of the most fuel-efficient corridor.

As tensions continue, aviation authorities and airlines are expected to keep reviewing risk assessments, with passenger safety remaining the overriding priority.

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