Iran Closes Airspace Amid US Strike Fears: IndiGo, Air India Flights Disrupted – Check Flight Status
Amid escalating tensions with the US over nationwide protests against the economy and clerical regime, Iran has temporarily shut its airspace late Wednesday to most incoming and outgoing flights. According to a notice posted by the Federal Aviation Administration, the restriction was scheduled to remain in effect from 10:15 p.m. UTC Wednesday to 12:30 a.m. UTC Thursday. It was later extended until 7.30 am local time. The extension order was issued without explanation early Thursday. Live data provided by flight tracker FlightRadar showed aircraft avoiding Iranian airspace. Following the airspace closure order, Indian airlines including IndiGo and Air India issued separate statements, and Germany’s Lufthansa said it would avoid the route.
WHAT INDIGO AND AIR INDIA SAID?
India’s largest airline, IndiGo provided an update on X and said that some of its international flights would be impacted by sudden airspace closure. IndiGo stated that the situation was beyond their control. “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,” IndiGo added.
Air India also issued a statement on X and said that some of its flights were being cancelled. It also said that few flights were rerouted as per available capacity. The airline added that its flights that normally pass over the Iranian area are now taking alternate routes, which could cause delays. “Some Air India flights where currently rerouting is not possible are being cancelled,” it added.
Germany’s Lufthansa on Wednesday, after the news of the airspace closure said that its flights would avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace “until further notice.” News agency Reuters shared data from Flightradar24 and reported that an Aeroflot flight headed to Tehran turned back to Moscow, adding that many airlines have scaled back or halted services and most are steering clear of Iranian airspace.
IRAN PROTEST AND A POSSIBLE US INTERVENTION
Iran is witnessing massive protest against the clerical regime that has been in power after Islamic revolution of 1979. The protest that began as a reaction to the catastrophic economic collapse soon snowballed into calls for regime change. Iranian regime has warned protesters of death penalty.
US President Trump on Jan 14 took to Truth Social to declare that “help is on its way” triggering massive speculations of strike on Tehran. He also asked people to take a note of all “killers and abusers” and assured that they would pay a “big price.” However, he has taken a “wait and watch” approach and in his latest remark, he suggested that Iranian regime has stopped execution plans. Though he did not specify if that would stop him from his military action, but his statement is being reported as softening of stance despite killing of nearly 2000 protesters, as per rights group.