Air India reroutes flights to avoid Iranian airspace due to increased tensions in the Middle East.

Sources have reported that Air India flights to Europe have been taking longer routes to avoid Iranian airspace. Specifically, a London-bound Air India flight was observed on tracking website Flightradar24 this morning, taking a longer route to avoid Iranian airspace. As a result, it is anticipated that all Air India flights heading to Europe will now take up to 45 minutes longer to reach their destinations.

However, flights to the Middle East operated by Air India will not be affected, as they typically fly south of Iranian airspace. In response to escalating tensions, Lufthansa has also announced that its planes will no longer use Iranian airspace, extending the suspension of flights to and from Tehran. The company spokesperson confirmed this decision, stating that due to the current situation, flights will be suspended up to and including Thursday, 18 April.

This situation has been compounded by recent events in the Middle East, with an Israeli airstrike hitting the Iran consulate in Damascus on April 1, resulting in fatalities. Intelligence assessments suggest possible retaliation as soon as Sunday, potentially escalating into a wider regional conflict. Iran’s supreme leader had earlier issued warnings, heightening concerns about the situation.

As a result, several countries, including India, France, and Russia, have advised their citizens against traveling to the region, which is already tense due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. With Iran potentially considering a direct attack on Israeli soil, tensions have further escalated, prompting President Joe Biden to express unwavering support for Israel while enhancing regional deterrence efforts and increasing force protection for US forces. In response to these developments, the Pentagon is reportedly deploying additional assets to the region.

Given the complexity and highly sensitive nature of the situation, the international community is closely monitoring the events and assessing potential ramifications.