Tensions in the Middle East have disrupted flight operations for several airlines, including Air India. The US-Israel war with Iran has affected several carriers, including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, SpiceJet and IndiGo. However, pictures of an Air India plane flying over the conflict-affected zone of Iran and other Gulf countries are circulating on social media.
Air India Newsroom issued a fact check on Thursday that ignores these viral reports. Warning against fake news, Air India said in a post on X: “Air India does not operate flights over any restricted airspace.” Insinuating that viral flight tracking images circulating on social media are incorrect, the airline said flight routes are planned using real-time information, global advisories and 24/7 monitoring to ensure each journey remains safe, compliant and reliable.”
Air India further noted that these viral images do not reflect actual flight operations or the airline’s safety protocols. “These operational decisions underscore Air India’s firm commitment to prioritize the safety and security of passengers and crew above all else,” the statement added.
A caption matching the viral images said, “Air India flew through restricted airspace in the Middle East despite tensions in the region.
Has flight service resumed in the Middle East?
Thousands of passengers are still stranded in Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain and other Middle Eastern countries as most flight operations in the region remain suspended. As the world’s busiest airport, Dubai International Airport, has seen mass flight cancellations since February 28, some Indian carriers such as IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet and Akasa Air have resumed some of their operations in the Middle East.
Several countries have begun evacuating their citizens stranded in the Gulf countries, including India, France, Spain and the US. According to a PTI report, around 180 flights from key airports — Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru — were canceled on Wednesday due to airspace restrictions amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The latest updates on Air India’s flight operations indicate that the airline will start its scheduled flights to and from Jeddah to Delhi and Mumbai from March 5. Air India on Wednesday said it will operate 3 additional flights to Toronto, Frankfurt and Paris from March 5.
A post on X Air India said, “We are operating 3 additional flights between Delhi and Toronto from March 5 to 11 From March 7 to 10, we have added three flights between Delhi and Frankfurt and one flight between Delhi and Paris (Charles de Gaulle).
