Air India Reroutes Flights After Iran Airspace Closure, Warns of Delays

Flights diverted via longer routes as safety concerns trigger schedule disruptions

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Rajan Mhatre

Last Updated: January 15, 2026

Summary: Air India warns about delays or cancellations as flights avoid Iranian airspace.

Air India has warned passengers that several of its international flights may face delays or cancellations after Iran temporarily closed its airspace, forcing aircraft to take alternate routes to ensure safety.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the airline said flights that normally fly over Iran’s airspace are now being rerouted along longer paths because of the “emerging situation in Iran” and the subsequent closure of that airspace. These alternative routes are expected to add time to schedules and could disrupt plans for travellers.

Air India said that flights where rerouting isn’t possible have been cancelled, and it advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. The airline stressed that the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority.

The measure comes as Iran temporarily restricts parts of its airspace due to rising regional tensions and domestic turmoil, causing airlines throughout the world to reroute their flights. Several airlines, including India’s carriers, have been avoiding Iranian airspace to keep their operations secure.

Travellers who are suffering delays should check with their airlines for updates and consider rebooking or requesting a refund. As conditions change, those on long-haul flights from India to Europe or the United States might face longer flight durations and potential changes to their departure or arrival schedules.

Airline officials have not yet said how long these routing adjustments will last, but the advisory reflects how geopolitical developments can quickly ripple into the aviation sector and affect international travel.