Tensions in the Middle East disrupted flight operations of several airlines, including Air India. The US-Israel war with Iran impacted several carriers, including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, SpiceJet and IndiGo, among others. However, images of Air India plane flying over the conflict-stricken zone of Iran and other Gulf countries is doing the rounds on social media.
Air India Newsroom issued a fact check on Thursday, snubbing these viral reports. Warning against the fake news, Air India in a post on Suggesting that viral flight tracking images circulating on social media are incorrect, the airlines said, Flight routes are planned using real‑time intelligence, global advisories, and continuous monitoring to ensure every journey remains safe, compliant, and reliable.”
Air India further noted that these viral images do not reflect the airline’s actual flight operations or safety protocols. “These operational decisions underline Air India’s firm commitment to prioritizing the safety and security of passengers and crew above everything else,” the statement added.
The caption corresponding viral images stated, “Air India flew over restricted airspace in the Middle East despite tensions in the region.”
Have flight operations resumed in the Middle East?
Thousands of passengers are still stranded in Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain and other Middle Eastern countries as most flight operations remain suspended in the region. With the world’s busiest airport Dubai International Airport seeing mass flight cancellations since 28 February, 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 started evacuations of their nationals stranded in the Gulf countries, including India, France, Spain and US. According to PTI report, around 180 flights from key airports — Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru — “were canceled on Wednesday owing to airspace restrictions amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.”
Air India’s latest update on flight operations suggest that the airline will commence its scheduled operations to and from Jeddah to Delhi and Mumbai from 5 March. Air India on Wednesday said that it will operate 3 additional flights to Toronto, Frankfurt, and Paris from 5 March.
In a post on
