Multiple Air India flights were diverted or forced to return to their origin after Iran closed its airspace amid escalating tensions and reported Israeli attacks, the airline announced on Friday. A total of 16 Air India flights were affected by the sudden disruption caused by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
“We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen disruption and are making every effort to minimise it, including providing accommodation for passengers," Air India said in an official statement.
Tragedy struck just a day earlier, when an Air India flight bound for London, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. The airline confirmed that 241 individuals on board lost their lives in the devastating crash.
The ill-fated Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national. Rescue and investigation operations are ongoing.