Air India diverts, returns 16 international flights after Israeli strikes on Iran; Full list

In the wake of heightened tensions in the Middle East following Israeli airstrikes on Iran, Air India on Friday issued a travel advisory announcing diversions and returns of several of its international flights due to the closure of Iranian airspace.

Citing passenger safety as the top priority, the airline said it had either rerouted or returned at least 16 flights to and from global destinations.

The impacted flights include services on routes connecting India with New York, London, Toronto, Chicago, Washington, and Vancouver.

Here’s the list of flights rerouted or returning:

• AI130 – London Heathrow-Mumbai – Diverted to Vienna
• AI102 – New York-Delhi – Diverted to Sharjah
• AI116 – New York-Mumbai – Diverted to Jeddah
• AI2018 – London Heathrow-Delhi – Diverted to Mumbai
• AI129 – Mumbai-London Heathrow – Returning to Mumbai
• AI119 – Mumbai-New York – Returning to Mumbai
• AI103 – Delhi-Washington – Returning to Delhi
• AI106 – Newark-Delhi – Diverted to Vienna
• AI188 – Vancouver-Delhi – Diverting to Jeddah
• AI101 – Delhi-New York – Diverting to Frankfurt/Milan
• AI126 – Chicago-Delhi – Diverting to Jeddah
• AI132 – London Heathrow-Bengaluru – Diverted to Sharjah
• AI2016 – London Heathrow-Delhi – Diverted to Vienna
• AI104 – Washington-Delhi – Diverted to Vienna
• AI190 – Toronto-Delhi – Diverted to Frankfurt
• AI189 – Delhi-Toronto – Returning to Delhi

“Due to the emerging situation in Iran and the subsequent closure of its airspace, we have taken this step in view of the safety of our passengers,” the airline said in its advisory posted on X.

The airline assured passengers that efforts were underway to minimise disruption.

“We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen disruption and are making every effort to minimize it, including providing accommodation for passengers,” the statement said.

“Refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling is also being offered to guests who opt for it. Alternative arrangements are being made to fly passengers to their destinations,” it added.

The developments come in the aftermath of a major Israeli military strike on Iran early Friday, targeting nuclear facilities including the critical uranium enrichment site at Natanz.

The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that the site had been hit, and said it was in touch with Iranian authorities to assess radiation levels.

The attack, described as the most significant against Iran since the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, could mark a dangerous escalation in the long-running conflict between the two countries.

Iranian state television reported the death of Gen. Hossein Salami, head of the elite Revolutionary Guard, and other top military officials.

In a strongly worded response, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of “severe punishment” against Israel.

Israel “opened its wicked and blood-stained hand to a crime in our beloved country, revealing its malicious nature more than ever by striking residential centers,” Khamenei said.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has urged all Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin in Iran to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities.

"In view of the current situation in Iran, all Indian nationals & persons of Indian origin in Iran are requested to remain vigilant, avoid all unnecessary movements, follow the Embassy’s Social Media accounts & observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities."