June 13, 2025 - Owing to rising tensions in the Middle East following Israel's large-scale pre-dawn air operation against Iran June 13 morning, India’s official carrier Air India has diverted/returned 16 international flights. The Israeli operation, codenamed “Operation Rising Lion," has led to the closure of airspace over Israel, Iran, Iraq and Jordan, thereby leading to significant disruptions in global air travel.

Other airlines that have had to make changes to their schedules to ensure passenger and crew safety include flights between Asia and Europe, such as Emirates, Lufthansa and flydubai. Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport was closed until further notice, and Israel's air defence units stood at high alert for possible retaliatory strikes from Iran.

An Air India flight from Mumbai to London, returned to Mumbai after remaining in the air for three hours, according to news reports citing Flightradar24 data. The Mumbai-London flight had left the airport at 5:39 am.

Air India has issued issued a travel advisory urging passengers to check the status of their flights and to expect potential delays or cancellations.

Affected AI Flights:

• AI130: London Heathrow to Mumbai – Diverted to Vienna
• AI102: New York to Delhi – Diverted to Sharjah
• AI116: New York to Mumbai – Diverted to Jeddah
• AI2018: London Heathrow to Delhi – Diverted to Mumbai
• AI129: Mumbai to London Heathrow – Returning to Mumbai
• AI119: Mumbai to New York – Returning to Mumbai
• AI103: Delhi to Washington – Returning to Delhi
• AI106: Newark to Delhi – Returning to Delhi
• AI188: Vancouver to Delhi – Diverting to Jeddah
• AI101: Delhi to New York – Diverting to Frankfurt/Milan
• AI126: Chicago to Delhi – Diverting to Jeddah
• AI132: London Heathrow to Bengaluru – Diverted to Sharjah
• AI2016: London Heathrow to Delhi – Diverted to Vienna
• AI104: Washington to Delhi – Diverted to Vienna
• AI190: Toronto to Delhi – Diverted to Frankfurt
• AI189: Delhi to Toronto – Returning to Delhi

Air India put out a statement saying, "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. Refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling is also being offered to guests who opt for it. Alternative arrangements are being made to fly passengers to their destinations."

With Media Inputs