Air India in Crisis Mode: What Forced 16 International Flights to Change Course?
Here’s the thing: your flight plans aren’t always just about the weather
Last night, something serious unfolded mid-air—and not because of turbulence or bad planning. Thanks to escalating military tension in West Asia, specifically Israel’s targeted strikes on Iran under “Operation Rising Lion”, the skies turned into a strategic no-go zone for airlines.
And Air India? It had no choice but to reroute or ground 16 of its international flights. Let's break it down.
What triggered the chaos?
In short: missiles, drones, and political tension.
On June 13, Israel launched an operation aimed at Iran’s nuclear and military bases. Iran responded with drone strikes. Within hours, airspace over Iran, Israel, Iraq, and Jordan was either restricted or completely shut down.
Now imagine you’re piloting a flight from New York to Delhi—and suddenly the safest path across the Middle East is no longer available.
How Air India responded (and fast)
Here’s what the airline did to keep passengers safe:
- AI102 (New York–Delhi) diverted to Sharjah
- AI130 (London–Mumbai) rerouted to Vienna
- AI116 (New York–Mumbai) landed in Jeddah
- Several outbound flights returned to base—like AI129 and AI106
No drama. No panic. Just proactive decisions to avoid a potential airspace disaster.
And credit where it’s due—Air India offered free rescheduling, full refunds, and hotel stays where needed.
Why this matters to you
Even if you’re not flying today, this kind of disruption shows how deeply global politics can affect everyday travel. One diplomatic spark can mess up flight plans across continents.
It also reminds us that behind every flight number is a real crew making fast, high-stakes decisions to prioritize your safety over everything else.
FAQs
Q: Will Air India flights continue to be disrupted? A: Likely yes, until airspace over West Asia reopens fully and tensions ease.
Q: Are refunds or rescheduling free for affected passengers? A: Yes, Air India has waived change and cancellation fees for impacted travelers.
Q: Should I avoid booking Middle East-transit flights? A: For now, it’s wise to check routes. Direct Europe–India or US–India flights are being rerouted.
