Chennai–London British Airways flight turns back mid-air after Iran closes airspace

Flight operations are being closely monitored as tensions remain high in the region following the reported US strikes.

A British Airways flight from Chennai to London was forced to return shortly after takeoff on Sunday morning following the sudden closure of Iranian airspace. The move came after reports of US strikes on nuclear sites in Iran, leading to airspace restrictions in the region.

Flight BA36, which was originally scheduled to depart at 5:35 AM IST, took off nearly 50 minutes late at 6:24 AM with 206 passengers on board. After flying out of Indian airspace and entering the Arabian Sea, the pilots were informed about the closure of Iranian airspace.

Taking no chances, the crew decided to turn the aircraft around and contacted Chennai air traffic control. The plane landed safely back at the Chennai airport at 8:50 AM and was moved to a parking bay by 9:20 AM.

British Airways confirmed that the flight returned as a precaution due to the developing situation over Iran. Passengers were deboarded and offered refreshments inside the terminal.

Airport officials said the aircraft would be refueled and depart again around 10:30 AM with a revised route that avoids Iranian airspace.

The sudden airspace disruption caused delays for several other international flights from Chennai to Middle Eastern destinations.

A Kuwait Airways flight that was supposed to leave for Kuwait at 3:30 AM finally took off at 5:40 AM. Flights to Doha, Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi were also delayed by at least an hour. A Qatar Airways service to Doha and an Emirates flight to Dubai each saw a delay of around 60 minutes.

Flight operations are being closely monitored as tensions remain high in the region following the reported US strikes.

(With inputs from PTI)