Air India Cancels US Flights & Europe Routes Delayed After Iran Airspace Closure

Air India aircraft on runway affected by flight cancellations

Air India Cancels U.S. Flights and Warns of Europe Delays After Iran Airspace Closure

Air India has cancelled multiple flights bound for the United States and alerted travellers to possible delays on flights to Europe due to the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace. The sudden suspension of Iran’s air routes has created significant operational hurdles for long-haul international flights.

Sudden Dash Around the World: What Happened

In mid-January 2026, Iranian authorities briefly closed their airspace — a key corridor used by airlines flying between India, Europe, and North America — due to escalating geopolitical tension and security concerns. This closure forced carriers to reroute or revise flight plans to avoid the region, affecting services that typically fly over Iran for more direct, fuel-efficient travel.

Because alternative routes — such as those over Iraq — require longer distances and more fuel, Air India had no choice but to cancel certain long-haul services where rerouting was not operationally feasible. 

Major Flights Affected

Air India confirmed that at least three major U.S. flights were cancelled due to the disrupted airspace. These included:

• Delhi to New York (AI101)

• Delhi to Newark (AI105)

• Mumbai to New York (AI119)

Return legs on these flights were also scrapped because alternative routing would exceed operational fuel limits.

Europe Routes: Delays and Longer Travel Times

While flights to Europe haven’t been cancelled outright, some services are now expected to take longer than usual. Airlines have opted to reroute around Iran and adjacent regions, which can extend flight durations and cause delays.

Passengers on these routes may notice longer flight timings, possible layovers, or altered schedules as airlines adapt their routes for safety and operational reasons.

Why This Matters for Travellers

Safety First: Airspace Closures & Airline Decisions

Airspace closures are rare and typically only happen when security risks escalate unexpectedly. In this case, tensions involving Iran and the United States prompted authorities to temporarily stop normal overflights — a decision that reverberated across global airline schedules. Also Read: Reuters

Check Flight Status Before You Travel

If you’re flying with Air India or other international carriers soon:

• Check your flight status via the airline app or SMS alerts before heading to the airport.

• Be prepared for delays or schedule changes on Europe flights.

• Contact the airline for rebooking or refund options if your flight has been cancelled.

What Experts Say About the Situation

Many carriers are choosing to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace altogether even after it reopened, reflecting broader aviation safety concerns linked to geopolitical instability.

These decisions aren’t unique to Air India — several international airlines, including European carriers, are rerouting flights to maintain safety and compliance with evolving advisories.  Related News from Travel Man Today: Thailand Visa Runs 2025 Rules & Entry Refusals Guide