Air India flights to Europe, US longer by up to 40 min as airline avoids Iranian airspace

PTI reported that aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked Indian airlines to remain vigilant and take all precautions in the airspace over Iran, Iraq, Gulf of Oman and waters of Persian Gulf.

Major international airlines have rerouted or cancelled flights on Wednesday to avoid airspace over Iraq and Iran.

Meanwhile, the Indian Navy is monitoring the situation in the Gulf region; maintaining presence to ensure the security of India’s seaborne trade.

Here is a list of measures taken by carriers so far:

CANCELLED FLIGHTS: 

Germany’s Lufthansa cancelled its daily flight between Frankfurt and Tehran

Dubai-based Emirates Airline cancelled a return flight to Baghdad

United Arab Emirates airline flydubai cancelled a flight to Baghdad

REROUTING:

France’s airline KLM Air France suspended flights over Iraqi and Iranian airspace.

Norwegian Air Shuttle said it was looking at alternative routes for its Dubai flights departing from Scandinavia later on Wednesday.

Vietnam Airlines has rerouted flights

Taiwan’s largest carrier China Airlines will not fly over either country.

Malaysia Airlines does not fly over Iraqi airspace and said it would avoid Iranian airspace.

Singapore Airlines said flights would be diverted from Iranian airspace.

Australia’s Qantas Airways Ltd adjusted routes to avoid both countries’ airspace, adding up to 50 minutes to Perth-London flights and requiring it to reduce passenger numbers to carry the necessary fuel.

Russia’s aviation authority told its air carriers to avoid flights in the airspace of Iraq, Iran, the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Transport Canada said Air Canada was altering its routes.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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