Amid Iran-Israel Tensions, Airlines Rush To Secure Safe Flight Routes

Escalating tensions between Iran and Israel have sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, prompting airlines to adjust flight schedules and reroute paths to ensure passenger safety. Air India, for instance, has temporarily halted flights to and from Tel Aviv and modified the timing of certain ultra-long-haul flights in response to the conflict.



Pilots have reported an increase in GPS signal disruptions in the conflict area, leading route planners to scramble for alternative flight paths. Some airlines have opted to include refueling stops for nonstop flights between West and South Asia, like India, to accommodate the longer routes required to avoid Iranian airspace.

For instance, Air India's San Francisco-Mumbai flight, AI 180, had to divert to Dubai for refueling due to its inability to take the usual polar route to circumvent Iran, resulting in a longer journey. Similarly, airspaces near Israel, including those of neighboring countries like Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon, often close during potential attacks, necessitating real-time adjustments by air traffic control.


Although Air India's Tel Aviv flight has been suspended, Iranian airline Mahan Air continues to operate Delhi-Tehran flights. Meanwhile, Swiss Air's nonstop flights between Zurich and Delhi will now include a refueling stop in Vienna. However, US carriers, which have long avoided Iranian airspace, remain unaffected by the recent turmoil.