Escalating geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran are causing significant disruptions to international air travel, prompting airlines to cancel and reroute flights. IndiGo has cancelled flights to Tbilisi (Georgia) and Almaty (Kazakhstan) scheduled for January 25, 2026, due to the rising tensions. The return journeys for these flights are also affected. Furthermore, IndiGo has warned that flights to and from Tbilisi, Almaty, Baku (Azerbaijan), and Tashkent (Uzbekistan) on January 26, 2026, may experience brief refueling stops in Doha (Qatar).
In a statement, IndiGo said that these changes are proactive and are being implemented with a continued focus on safety, urging passengers to check their flight status in advance. The airline acknowledged that some flights may experience longer travel times or cancellations due to the ongoing situation around Iran.
Air India has also taken measures to ensure passenger safety amidst the escalating tensions. The airline is rerouting flights that typically overfly Iran, which may lead to delays. In some cases, where rerouting is not possible, Air India has been forced to cancel flights. Reportedly, at least three flights to the United States were cancelled, including services from Delhi to New York and Newark, and one from Mumbai to New York.
The decision by IndiGo and Air India reflects a broader trend among international airlines. Several carriers, including Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, and Swiss, have cancelled flights to Middle Eastern destinations, including Israel, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. KLM has completely suspended operations to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates until further notice, citing the "geopolitical situation". Air France has also scrapped flights to Tel Aviv and Dubai, with no set date for resuming service. British Airways has paused its evening flights to Dubai and is closely monitoring the situation.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has recommended that airlines avoid Iranian airspace due to the heightened tensions. This has led many airlines to reroute flights, increasing flight times, fuel consumption, and operational costs. The closure and avoidance of Iranian airspace, a vital artery connecting continents, forces airlines to implement significant schedule adjustments. This situation exacerbates existing pressures on the aviation sector, which has been contending with post-pandemic recovery challenges, fluctuating fuel prices, and supply-chain issues.
