Delhi-Tel Aviv flight returns following Israel airspace closure; Air India cancels all West Asia-bound flights

Air India’ Delhi–Tel Aviv formation was forced to crook backmost connected Saturday (February 28, 2026) aft Israel and Iran closed their airspaces, followed by the hose cancelling each its West Asia bound flights amid escalating determination tensions.

“AI139 operating from Delhi to Tel Aviv connected 28 February is returning to India owed to the closure of airspace successful Israel and successful the involvement of the information of passengers and crew,” the hose said successful a statement.

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A elder authoritative from the Ministry of Civil Aviation told The Hindu that the “government is reviewing the rapidly evolving situation”.

“We person to guarantee passengers person timely accusation and airlines are capable to program alternate routes keeping information and aviator remainder and work norms successful mind,” the authoritative said.

Another Air India formation from Chicago to Delhi was besides observed taking a wider detour to debar the portion — flying adjacent farther astir Iran than its already adjusted way to steer wide of the closed airspace.

A time-lapse video connected Flightradar24 showed craft gradually clearing retired of the airspace betwixt Iran and Israel soon aft some countries announced the shutdown of their skies. Later successful the day, UAE, Bahrain and Qatar temporarily closed their respective airspaces arsenic a impermanent precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, Delhi airdrome warned passengers of disruptions to west-bound flights. “Due to the evolving governmental concern successful the Middle East region, westbound planetary flights whitethorn acquisition disruptions oregon docket adjustments,” it said.