International Flights from India Returning Mid Air or Diverted; Air Space Restrictions Cause Massive Disruptions Amid Israel-Iran Tensions
Mumbai, India – Air India’s international operations have been severely impacted due to escalating hostilities in Central Asia and Iran, leading to multiple flight diversions and cancellations. The airline confirmed that several flights were forced to return to their origin or divert to alternate airports following the closure of Iranian airspace.
Key Incident: Mumbai-London Flight Returns Mid-Air
One of the most notable disruptions involved Air India Flight AI129 from Mumbai to London Heathrow, which departed at 5:39 AM but returned to Mumbai after three hours in the air, as per Flightradar24 data. The decision was made due to airspace restrictions amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel.
Air India flight AIC129, which took off early morning today from Mumbai for London, is returning to Mumbai, according to Flightradar24. More details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/BmRtlkmaut
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 13, 2025
List of Affected Flights
Air India issued a #TravelAdvisory, listing the following impacted flights:
- 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
- AI119 (Mumbai-New York) – Returning to Mumbai
- AI103 (Delhi-Washington) – Returning to Delhi
- AI106 (Newark-Delhi) – Returning to Delhi
- 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
Air India’s Response
In an official statement, Air India expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and assured passengers that alternative arrangements were being made. The airline is offering:
- Accommodation for stranded passengers
- Refunds on cancellations
- Complimentary rescheduling options
Passengers are advised to check their flight status on Air India’s official website:
👉 https://www.airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html
Travel Advisory Remains in Effect
With tensions escalating in the region, travelers are urged to monitor updates as further disruptions may occur. Airlines worldwide are adjusting routes to avoid affected airspace, leading to potential delays and rerouting. Additionally Indian embassies in Isreal and Iran have issued travel advisories to the region.
Stay tuned as we bring you updates on other airlines’ flight statuses amid the evolving situation.
