Air India, Vistara to skip flying over Iranian airspace as Middle East tensions simmer

On April 12, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India issued a stern advisory urging Indians to refrain from traveling to both Iran and Israel until further notice.

Indian carriers Air India and Vistara announced on April 13 that they will avoid flying over Iranian airspace for flights to Europe and other Western countries amid the simmering tension between Israel and Iran. Air India, and Vistara on Saturday said they have decided to opt for alternative flight paths for some of its flights to and from India.

"Due to the current situation affecting parts of the Middle East, we are making changes to the flight paths of some of our flights. Contingency routes, which are kept available to ensure operational continuity during such eventualities, are being used instead. This may result in longer flight times on certain routes and associated delays. The situation is being monitored closely and further changes will be made if required," ANI has quoted Vistara spokesperson.

In addition, according to ANI, Air India also issued a statement saying, "We are closely monitoring the developing situation in the Middle East. Presently, our aircraft will operate on alternate flight paths to and from India- according top priority to the safety of our passengers and crew."

Air India is the only Indian carrier that operates flights to Israel. It has four weekly flights connecting Delhi and Tel Aviv. While Air India and Vistara did not elaborate on the alternative flight paths, two persons in the know said carriers are avoiding the Iranian airspace while flying to destinations in the West.

As tensions simmer in West Asia, the spectre of conflict between Iran and Israel looms ominously, casting its shadow not only over the region but also affecting global air travel.

Airlines are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of their passengers and crew amidst these war clouds, rerouting flights to steer clear of potential hotspots. On April 12, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India issued a stern advisory urging Indians to refrain from traveling to both Iran and Israel until further notice.

A day later, on April 13, the Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel MSC Aries, which has affiliations with Israel, the vessel was seized by Iran in the Gulf of Hormuz. Seventeen Indian nationals, including the Master, are among the 25 crew members on board.

Iran's military forces seized the cargo vessel amidst flaring tensions in the region following an Israeli assault on Iran’s consulate in Syria, resulting in casualties among the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).