Iran airspace shutdown hits IndiGo, Air India; flights rerouted, delays likely: what passengers need to know

Iran airspace shutdown disrupts IndiGo, Air India flights — what passengers should know

• Iran shut Tehran airspace for 2 hours amid US tensions and ongoing protests
• Indian airlines warn of delays, cancellations; flights rerouted.
• US, Europe urge caution as Iran protests enter third week

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Iran temporarily shut down the airspace around its capital, Tehran, amid escalating tensions with the United States and ongoing nationwide protests. The closure, announced through a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM), remained in effect for about two hours and was lifted around 4 am local time on Thursday, according to The Guardian.

During the restriction, aircraft were barred from entering or transiting Tehran’s airspace unless they were international flights arriving in or departing from the capital with special authorisation from Iran’s civil aviation authority.

Airlines reroute flights to avoid Iranian skies

The sudden closure triggered immediate rerouting of aircraft. Flight tracking platform FlightRadar24 shared updates showing planes diverting away from Iranian airspace, noting in one post that: “IndiGo flight 6E1808 is now the last non-Iran-registered passenger aircraft in Iranian airspace.”

Several countries, including Germany, issued advisories urging airlines to avoid flying over Iran, while US carriers have long been prohibited from overflying the country.

Indian carriers issue travel advisories

The airspace shutdown disrupted operations for Indian airlines, prompting advisories from IndiGo and Air India.

In a travel update, IndiGo said, “Due to the sudden airspace closure by Iran, some of our international flights are impacted. Our teams are working diligently to assess the situation and support affected customers by offering the best possible alternatives."

“This development is beyond our control, and we regret the disruption it may have caused to your travel plans. If your flight is impacted, we encourage you to visit our website to explore flexible rebooking options or to claim a refund, as per your preference."

“We remain committed to keeping you informed and supporting you through this evolving situation. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.”

Travel Advisory

Due to the sudden airspace closure by Iran, some of our international flights are impacted. Our teams are working diligently to assess the situation and support affected customers by offering the best possible alternatives. This development is beyond our… — IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) January 14, 2026

Air India also warned of delays and cancellations as flights were diverted for safety reasons.

“Due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, Air India flights overflying the region are now using an alternative routing, which may lead to delays. Some Air India flights where currently rerouting is not possible are being cancelled,” the airline said.

Air India urged passengers to check flight status before leaving for the airport and added, “Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen disruption. Safety of our passengers and crew remains top priority.”

#TravelAdvisory Due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, Air India flights overflying the region are now using an alternative routing, which may lead to delays. Some Air India flights where… — Air India (@airindia) January 15, 2026

Closure follows Trump warning to Iran

The airspace restriction came shortly after a warning from US President Donald Trump over Iran’s crackdown on protesters. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said he had been informed that killings linked to the unrest were slowing and claimed there was no current plan to carry out executions.

“There’s no plan for executions,” Trump said, referring to the case of 26-year-old protester Erfan Soltani, who had reportedly been sentenced to death.

Trump had earlier warned of military action if executions proceeded, adding, “I’m sure if it happens, we’ll all be very upset. But that’s just gotten to me … they’re not going to have an execution.”

Regional security concerns grow

According to a Bloomberg News report, the US has redeployed some personnel from military bases in Qatar and other locations in the region amid fears of Iranian retaliation if tensions escalate further. The US and UK have also evacuated some staff from a military base in Qatar.

Iranian officials have warned that any US military strike would be met with retaliation targeting American bases in the region.

European governments have also issued warnings. Spain advised its citizens to leave Iran, citing deaths and arrests linked to the protests, while Italy and Poland released similar advisories.

Protests enter third week

Iran continues to face widespread unrest, with protests entering their 21st day on Thursday. What began as demonstrations over soaring inflation and the sharp fall in the national currency has expanded into nationwide protests, with reports of unrest across more than 280 locations.

Iranian authorities have not explained the airspace closure, and it remains unclear whether similar restrictions could be imposed again as tensions remain high.