Updated: Flights diverted after Israel attack on Iran

Airlines serving India and Asia face having to divert, abandon or cancel flights as airspace was closed after an attack on Iran’s nuclear sites by Israel.

 

Air India, reeling from the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash that killed all but one of 242 people on board in Ahmedabad on Thursday, was among carriers affected.

 

Flights today (Friday) from Heathrow to Mumbai and Delhi were being diverted to Vienna and Heathrow to Delhi to Mumbai. 

 

A service from Heathrow to Bengaluru was being switched to Sharjah while one from Mumbai to Heathrow was returned to its departure point.

 

A total of 16 Air India flights have been altered today with other airlines also expected to have to avoid Iranian airspace.

 

Israel declared a state of emergency, warning of retaliation from Iran “in the immediate future” ahead of a threatened drone assault. 

 

El Al suspended flights as aviation authorities also closed Israeli airspace “following recent security developments”.

 

The airline said: "We advise customers whose flights are scheduled for Saturday evening, June 15, 2025, or Sunday, June 16, 2025, not to come to the airport and to await updates regarding their flight status. 

 

“For customers currently abroad, we recommend arranging accommodation until there is a change in security directives. 

 

“Flights that were en route to Israel have been diverted to land at various El Al destinations. 

 

The airline’s flights scheduled to depart up to June 30 have been closed for new bookings in the reservation systems “until the security situation clarifies”.

 

Lufthansa Group suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv until June 22.

 

Jordanian authorities also announced the closure of its airspace and Queen Alia International airport in Amman was shut, resulting in flight cancellations and diversions.

 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: "If missiles are intercepted in Jordanian airspace, this may result in falling fragments and debris. If you encounter any projectile debris or fragments you should move away from them immediately and contact local authorities." 

 

The FCDO, which already advises against all travel to Iran, updated its travel advice to reflect a “heightened risk of regional tension”.

 

The advisory added: “The situation remains tense in the Middle East and an escalation could happen quickly. We continue to advise against all travel to Iran. 

 

"Monitor this travel advice and other media to ensure you have the latest updates.”

 

The Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority directed all airlines and travel companies to ensure that any passengers arriving in Egypt between June 12-16 have a confirmed return ticket, according to the FCDO. Travellers who are unable to demonstrate this are liable to be refused entry into the country.

     

Air India said that a number of flights were either being diverted or returning to their departure points “due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace and for the safety of our passengers”.  

 

The airline added: “We regret the inconvenience caused by this unforeseen disruption.

 

“Air India is working diligently to minimise the impact - providing passenger accommodation, offering refunds or complimentary rescheduling, and arranging alternative travel options.

 

“We should like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains top priority. We advise all our passengers to check their flight status.”

   

Meanwhile, Air India confirmed a sole survivor from the B787-8  which crashed on take off from Ahmedabad to Gatwick. The aircraft was carrying 230 passengers, including 53 from the UK, and 12 crew.

 

The airline set up friends and relatives assistance centres at Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Dehli and Gatwick airports “to provide support and take care of the needs of those on flight AI171. 

 

“These centres are facilitating the travel of family members to Ahmedabad.”

 

A dedicated passenger hotline from outside India was set up at: +91 8062779200.

 

Tata Group, a majority shareholder in Air India, said it will provide money to the families of each person who has lost their life in the crash.

 

Tata chair Natarajan Chandrasekaran said about £86,000 or ten million Indian rupees will be provided to impacted families.

 

The company added that it will cover the medical expenses of those injured and provide support to rebuild the medical hostel that the aircraft crashed into.

 

Tata Group said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and with those who have been injured.

 

“Tata Group will provide R1 crore (about £86,000) to the families of each person who has lost their life in this tragedy. We will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that they receive all necessary care and support.  

 

“We remain steadfast in standing with the affected families and communities during this unimaginable time.”