Air India Crisis: One Crash, Multiple Flight Disruptions Amid Iran-Israel Conflict

Air India has made headlines since Thursday afternoon. An Air India aircraft (AI 171) destined for London crashed just minutes after it took off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 pm on Thursday. On board the ill-fated aircraft were a total of 242 individuals. Among them, 232 passengers, 10 crew members and two pilots. All except one passenger have been reportedly killed.

Circles for Hours, Returning to Mumbai

Then another Air India flight made a U-turn back to the Mumbai airport after making three hours of circles. The flight departed from the Mumbai airport for London at 5:39 am on Friday. The aircraft made a circle in the air for nearly three hours. It made a turnaround thereafter to Mumbai.

Iranian Airspace Closure 

Air India has stated that because of the present situation in Iran, the Iranian airspace is closed. Since the planes are not capable of flying over that airspace and reaching European nations, the flight routes of many are being modified. Many flights are being sent back halfway. Air India stated that 16 flights were altered or the flights were sent back.

Reimbursement and Alternate Arrangements

Air India has regretted the trouble caused to the passengers. The company stated that attempts are being made to address the issue. It has been told that if the flight ticket is cancelled, then the money will be reimbursed. The passengers of the flights whose routes are being altered have been promised alternate transportation to their destination.

Israel-Iran Conflict Leads to Airspace Shutdown

Israel started bombing Iran's nuclear and military bases on Friday morning. The Israeli army also conducted airstrikes in the Iranian capital city of Tehran and its surrounding regions. Iran shut down its airspace for precautionary purposes following the Israeli attack. Air service has been suspended.