Air India cancels 3 US flights after Tehran shuts airspace

Air India on Thursday cancelled at least three flights to the United States and said some Europe-bound services could face delays following the closure of Iranian airspace amid escalating regional tensions.According to information, the cancelled services include two flights from New Delhi to New York and Newark, and one flight from Mumbai to New York. The disruptions come as airlines operating long-haul routes are forced to alter flight paths due to airspace restrictions.
In a post on social media platform X, Air India said that due to the emerging situation in Iran and the subsequent closure of its airspace, flights that usually overfly the region are now being diverted through alternative routes. “In view of the safety of our passengers, flights overflying the region are now using alternative routing, which may lead to delays. Some Air India flights where currently rerouting is not possible are being cancelled,” the airline said, while regretting the inconvenience caused to passengers due to the unforeseen disruption.

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Due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, Air India flights overflying the region are now using an alternative routing, which may lead to delays. Some Air India flights where…

— Air India (@airindia) January 15, 2026

Air India typically uses Iranian airspace for flights to the US and Europe. With that corridor unavailable, aircraft are being rerouted over Iraqi airspace. However, the longer flying time on these routes means that some US-bound services cannot be operated, as aircraft may not have sufficient fuel capacity for the extended journey.The situation is further compounded by the continued closure of Pakistani airspace, which has already forced Air India to take longer routes for several westbound international flights.
Iran closes its airspace
Iran on Thursday ordered the closure of its airspace to commercial aircraft without explanation as tensions remained high with the US over Tehran's crackdown on nationwide protests. A notice to pilots said the closure was estimated to last until 7:30 am local time, as reported by the news agency Associated Press.Iran previously shut its airspace during the 12-day war against Israel in June and when it exchanged fire with Israel during the Israel-Hamas war.
“Several airlines have already reduced or suspended services, and most carriers are avoiding Iranian airspace,” said the website SafeAirspace, which provides information on conflict areas and air travel. “The situation may signal further security or military activity, including the risk of missile launches or heightened air defense, increasing the risk of misidentification of civil traffic.”Meanwhile, tensions between Iran and the United States continue to mount, fuelling concerns that further escalation could lead to prolonged airspace restrictions and continued disruption to international air travel.