International flight operations of major Indian airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, were disrupted on Thursday after Iran abruptly shut its airspace to commercial aircraft. The move comes amid escalating protests within Iran and rising tensions between Tehran and the United States, prompting aviation safety concerns across the region.

Air India confirmed that several of its flights overflying Iranian airspace were forced to take longer alternative routes, resulting in delays. The airline also announced cancellations on certain routes where rerouting was not feasible, emphasizing that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority. Travelers were advised to check flight status before arriving at airports.

IndiGo also reported disruptions to some international services due to the “sudden airspace closure.” The airline said its teams were assessing the situation and assisting affected passengers with flexible rebooking options or refunds. IndiGo expressed regret over the inconvenience, noting that the development was beyond the airline’s control.

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SpiceJet issued a similar advisory, attributing flight disruptions to Iran’s decision to suspend commercial air traffic. The airline joined others in urging passengers to remain updated through official channels and to plan travel accordingly as the situation continues to evolve.

Iran ordered the closure of its airspace without providing an official explanation, according to notices issued to pilots. Reports indicate that the restriction was initially expected to last until early Thursday morning local time. The country has previously taken similar measures during periods of heightened military confrontation, including conflicts involving Israel.

Aviation risk-monitoring platform SafeAirspace noted that many global carriers are already avoiding Iranian airspace due to security concerns. Analysts warned that the closure could indicate potential military activity, missile launches, or intensified air defence operations, increasing risks to civilian aviation. The situation remains fluid, with further disruptions possible depending on regional developments.

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