New Delhi: Air India has suspended all flights to and from the Middle East, as well as to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe, following Iran’s reported missile attack on a US airbase in Doha, Qatar.
In a statement released shortly after the attack, Air India announced the immediate suspension of all operations to the Middle East, as well as all flights to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe, until further notice. This decision stems from the disruption caused by airspace closures and restrictions imposed in response to the heightened security concerns.
“Amid the developing situation in the Middle East, Air India has ceased all operations to the region as well as to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe with immediate effect, until further notice,” the airline said in a statement.
The airline’s long-haul flights to Europe and North America typically overfly the Middle East, making them particularly vulnerable to the airspace restrictions. As a result, several flights have been diverted, with India-bound flights from North America returning to their origins or being rerouted to avoid affected airspace. Air India assured passengers that it is continuously consulting with external security advisors and diligently monitoring the situation, emphasising its commitment to passenger and staff safety as its top priority.
“Air India is in continuous consultation with its external security advisors and is vigilantly monitoring the evolving situation. We will keep our passengers informed of any updates. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our number one priority,” it said.
Several carriers have also cancelled or diverted flights in response to the rapidly evolving events in the region. “As airports across the Middle East gradually reopen, we are prudently and progressively resuming operations on these routes. We continue to monitor the situation closely and are fully considering the safest available flight paths to ensure secure and seamless travel. Please stay updated via our mobile app or website,” IndiGo said in a travel advisory.
As airports across the Middle East gradually reopen, we are prudently and progressively resuming operations on these routes. We continue to monitor the situation closely and are fully considering the safest available flight paths to ensure secure and seamless travel. Please stay updated via our mobile app or website.
Air India Express diverted a Doha-bound flight from Kochi to Muscat and returned another flight scheduled from Kannur, proactively ensuring the safety of its passengers and crew amid the uncertainty. Air India Express operates a substantial number of weekly flights to Doha, Qatar’s capital.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and will take all necessary precautions for the safety and security of our guests and crew, with inputs from the relevant authorities,” it added.
Iran claimed responsibility for the “devastating and powerful” missile attack on the Al Udeid airbase in Qatar in response to the US attack on Iran’s nuclear sites. Following the attack, Kuwait and Bahrain closed their airspace, further complicating regional air travel. While Qatar vehemently condemned the attack, asserting its right to retaliate under international law, the White House and the Pentagon are actively monitoring the situation for further developments and potential threats.
