An Air India flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv was diverted to Mumbai after Israel closed its airspace in an attack on Iran.
“AI139 operating on February 28 from Delhi to Tel Aviv is returning to India due to the closure of airspace in Israel and for the safety of passengers and crew,” an Air India spokesperson told ANI.
According to PTI, the flight is being diverted to Mumbai.
Air India said it regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen situation and remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety.
“We will continue to evaluate the safety and security environment for our flight operations and proactively adjust operations as needed,” the airline added.
Why did Israel close its airspace?
Israel closed its airspace after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government launched “preemptive” airstrikes against Tehran. Israel’s ministry said the country closed its airspace on Saturday, February 28, following security developments.
Israel asked its citizens to stay away from airports, saying it would notify travelers 24 hours before resuming flights.
The Iranian government also closed its airspace after the attacks, the AP reported. According to the Ministry of Transport, neighboring Iraq has also closed its airspace.
US-Israel strike on Iran
The US and Israel launched an attack on Iran, with the first apparent strike near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iranian media reported nationwide strikes and smoke could be seen rising from the capital. Authorities closed the road to Khamenei’s compound in central Tehran as more explosions rang out across the capital.
The targets of the Israeli campaign included Iran’s military, symbols of government and intelligence targets, an official briefed on the operation told The Associated Press.
President Donald Trump said in a video posted on social media that the US had launched “major combat operations in Iran”. He claimed that Iran was continuing to develop its nuclear program and planned to develop missiles that could reach the US, and appealed to the Iranian people to “take over your government – you take over”.
Trump acknowledged that there could be American casualties after the Iranian strikes, saying “that happens a lot in war.”
Iran to retaliate
Tehran is preparing for retaliation, an Iranian official told Reuters, adding that the response would be overwhelming.
Israel issued a nationwide warning after Iran allegedly fired missiles. Iran has warned that US military personnel and bases located throughout the region will be targeted in any retaliation.
Several hospitals in Israel have initiated their emergency protocols, including moving patients and surgeries to underground facilities.
