Air India says flights overflying Iran will use alternative route, warns of delays

Air India said in a statement on Thursday (January 15, 2026) that flights overflying Iran may lead to delays as they are using an alternative route due to closure of Iran’s airspace, following tensions in Iran and anti-government protest over the economic crisis.

“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,” the airline said in its statement.

Protests sparked by traders’ strike over hyperinflation and the falling currency have spread nationwide and turned violent in Iran at the beginning of January. About 2,000 people have so far been killed in protests across Iran, an Iranian official said on Tuesday (January 13, 2026). 

It also added that some Air India flights where currently rerouting is not possible are being cancelled.

It has requested passengers to check the status of their flights on Air India’s website.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday (January 14, 2026) spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and discussed the current unrest in Iran as well as the growing regional tensions in West Asia.

The conversation took place hours after the Ministry of External Affairs “strongly advised” Indian citizens to avoid travelling to Iran “until further notice”.

At the same time, the Embassy of India in Tehran urged Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin to leave the country by any available means of transport, including commercial airlines, and asked their India-based family members to register them on the embassy helpline page.