New Delhi
Air India has begun the gradual resumption of its international operations after the reopening of airspaces in the Middle East, following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran that ended a 12-day conflict. The airline had suspended flights to the region, as well as to parts of Europe and North America’s East Coast, due to security concerns stemming from Iranian missile strikes.
Israel’s airspace, previously shut amid escalating attacks, reopened on Tuesday, allowing global carriers to reassess their routes. Starting June 24, Air India announced it would progressively reinstate most services to and from the Middle East, with full restoration expected by June 25.
Flights to Europe and the East Coast of the United States and Canada are also being resumed, though exact timelines for North American routes remain unconfirmed. A company spokesperson said, “Flights to and from Europe are being progressively reinstated. Services to the East Coast of the US and Canada will resume at the earliest opportunity.”
Despite the return to operations, Air India warned of potential delays or cancellations due to ongoing rerouting and airspace restrictions. The airline stressed its continued commitment to passenger safety, stating it would avoid any region deemed unsafe.
IndiGo has also announced that it is progressively restoring its Middle East operations as airport access improves across the region. The resumption comes as a relief for thousands of passengers affected by widespread disruptions, and signals cautious optimism in the aviation sector following heightened regional tensions.