New Delhi/Mumbai: The Air India Group has announced changes to its flight operations, including the avoidance of certain airspaces and cancellation of select flights.
According to the Economic Times, Air India and Air India Express — the two airlines under the group — are taking precautionary measures. Air India has confirmed that its flights currently do not operate over the airspaces of Iran, Iraq, and Israel. In a statement issued on Sunday, the airline said it will progressively avoid using portions of the Persian Gulf airspace and will instead opt for alternative routes to destinations including the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait.
These adjustments are expected to lead to longer flight durations for routes to and from the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
Meanwhile, Air India Express, which mainly operates narrow-body flights to the Middle East, has started cancelling some services due to low passenger load and heightened tensions. A source revealed that flight cancellations are also due to increasing airspace congestion. Affected passengers are being informed in advance, although no official statement has been released by Air India Express regarding the cancellations.
Travel industry reports indicate that ticket bookings for Air India have dropped by up to 20% across both domestic and international routes. This comes in the wake of the tragic June 12 crash of an Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, which killed over 270 people.
Additionally, Air India said it remains in constant touch with its external security advisors and is closely monitoring developments in the region. The airline affirmed its commitment to taking further steps if needed to ensure the safety of its passengers and operations.
Air India currently operates flights to several Gulf destinations, including Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, and Jeddah.
