Air India has diverted all its west-bound flights away from Iranian airspace following rising security concerns linked to protests in Iran. In the early hours of 28 January, the national carrier issued an urgent operational notice instructing flight crews to avoid flying over Iran until further notice. The move came after Tehran temporarily closed its skies amid nationwide unrest.
As a result, Air India’s flights to Europe and North America are now being rerouted through alternative corridors, mainly over Iraq. Airline officials said these changes have increased flight times by around 15 to 45 minutes. The new routes also require extra fuel planning and adjustments to crew schedules. However, the airline stressed that passenger and crew safety remains the top priority, even if costs rise.
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Some routes that cannot be rerouted in a practical way, including services such as Delhi–Tehran and Mumbai–Mashhad, continue to remain suspended
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Passengers with bookings up to 10 February are being offered free rescheduling or full refunds
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked all Indian airlines to submit daily reports on their revised flight paths. These reports must include details on fuel usage and crew duty hours. Insurance companies have also been informed, as war-risk insurance premiums often increase when conflict warnings are issued for the region.
Travellers may also face unexpected transit or visa requirements if flights are routed through unfamiliar hubs such as Istanbul, Kuwait or Baghdad. Visa service platforms can help passengers quickly check whether extra documents are needed and assist with online processing.
Corporate travel managers are being advised to prepare for longer journeys, possible missed connections and higher fares, especially on busy India–US and India–UK routes. The situation once again highlights the importance of flexible travel planning and strong contingency arrangements during periods of global uncertainty.
