Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: A Delhi-bound IndiGo aircraft narrowly avoided disruption after crossing Iranian airspace minutes before Tehran abruptly closed its skies, highlighting the severe impact of the sudden shutdown on international aviation.
Last Commercial Flight Before Closure
IndiGo flight 6E1808 departed from Tbilisi, Georgia, late Wednesday night and passed over Iran around 2:35 am on Thursday, landing safely in Delhi at 7:03 am. According to real-time data from Flightradar24, the aircraft is believed to be the last non-Iranian commercial flight to transit Iranian airspace before authorities issued a sudden Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) closing most of the country’s skies.
Shutdown Triggered By Unrest
Iran’s aviation authorities imposed the closure amid intensifying violent protests that began on December 28. The abrupt move halted most international flights, allowing only a limited number of approved services, and forced airlines worldwide to rapidly alter or cancel operations.
Impact On Indian Airlines
The airspace restriction has caused widespread disruption for Indian carriers. IndiGo cancelled its Mumbai–Tbilisi and Tbilisi–Mumbai flights scheduled for Friday, while Air India and SpiceJet also issued advisories asking passengers to check flight status, rebook, or seek refunds. Airlines said rerouted flights may face delays, and services unable to avoid Iranian airspace have been cancelled.
Why Iranian Airspace Is Crucial
Iran lies on a key aviation corridor connecting Europe, Central Asia, and South Asia. Any sudden restriction forces airlines to take longer routes, increasing flight time, fuel costs, and operational strain. Routes to Europe, the Middle East, and Caucasus destinations such as Tbilisi are particularly affected.
Advisory For Passengers
Airlines have urged passengers traveling on routes that usually pass through Iranian airspace to stay updated through official advisories and check flight status before departure, as the situation remains fluid with no clarity yet on when normal operations will resume.
