Air India flight to London makes U-turn; 15 others diverted after Iran closes airspace

Air India flight AIC129, which departed from Mumbai for London early Friday morning, is returning to Mumbai, according to data from flight tracking service Flightradar24.

The flight, operated by Air India, had taken off as per schedule but later initiated a return to its origin.

In response to Iran closing its airspace following a reported Israeli attack on Tehran, Air India on Friday diverted sixteen long- and ultra-long haul flights to alternate destinations, the airline said in a statement.


Israel carried out strikes on Iran’s capital early Friday, reportedly targeting nuclear sites, missile facilities, and senior military personnel. Following this, Iran closed its airspace to ensure safety amid escalating regional tensions.

"Due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace and in view of the safety of our passengers, some of the Air India flights are either being diverted or are returning to their origin," Air India stated in its travel advisory.

Air India said that in view of the safety of its passengers, the following Air India flights are either being diverted or returning to their origin:

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