Air India’s Delhi–Tel Aviv flight returned to the national capital on Saturday after Israel launched what it described as “preventive” strikes on Iran, prompting airspace closures across parts of the Middle East and disrupting several international flight operations.
Israel’s Defence Minister confirmed that the country had carried out strikes on Iran. Massive explosions were reported in Tehran, with local media stating that missiles struck areas along University Street and in the Jomhouri district. Thick smoke was seen rising near Pasteur Street, which houses key government buildings. The extent of the damage and possible casualties was not immediately known.
In view of the escalating situation, low-cost carrier IndiGo issued an advisory stating that it is closely monitoring regional developments. “The safety and security of our customers and crew remain our highest priority,” the airline said.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in a post on X, said air raid sirens were sounded across the country and mobile alerts were issued instructing residents to remain near protected spaces. The military described the move as a precaution against potential missile launches towards Israel.
Israel also ordered schools nationwide to remain closed, advised citizens to work from home and imposed restrictions on public gatherings.
Soon after the strikes, several countries in the region closed or restricted their airspace, affecting international flight operations. Airlines began diverting or rerouting services bound for Tel Aviv and other destinations in the region.
According to flight tracking platform Flightradar24, multiple carriers altered routes to avoid restricted zones. Flight FZ984 from Kazan to Dubai diverted to Baku, AI126 from Chicago to Delhi was tracked flying over Syria, G9950 from Sharjah to Moscow was rerouted over Pakistan, and EK225 from Dubai to San Francisco operated via Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The developments come amid heightened diplomatic tensions between the United States and Iran over a potential nuclear agreement. US President Donald Trump recently described Iran as “very difficult” and “very dangerous.” A third round of talks between US and Iranian officials was held in Geneva on Thursday, with further discussions scheduled later on Saturday.
— IANS
