Global Tensions Disrupt Air India Routes: 241 Dead in Ahmedabad Crash

Global Tensions Disrupt Air India Routes
Global Tensions Disrupt Air India Routes

Global Tensions Disrupt Air India Routes: 16 International Routes

    Multiple Air India flights were either diverted or forced to return mid-route on Friday after the closure of Iran’s airspace, following a dramatic escalation in conflict between Israel and Iran.

    The airline confirmed disruptions on 16 international routes, with several planes redirected to alternate airports or sent back to their point of origin. “We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen disruption and are making every effort to minimise the impact, including providing accommodation,” Air India said in an official statement.

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    List of Affected Air India Flights

    Here are the major route changes as released by the airline:

    • AI130 – London Heathrow to Mumbai – Diverted to Vienna
    • AI102 – New York to Delhi – Diverted to Sharjah
    • AI116 – New York to Mumbai – Diverted to Jeddah
    • AI2018 – London Heathrow to Delhi – Diverted to Mumbai
    • AI129 – Mumbai to London Heathrow – Returned to Mumbai
    • AI119 – Mumbai to New York – Returned to Mumbai
    • AI103 – Delhi to Washington – Returned to Delhi
    • AI106 – Newark to Delhi – Returned to Delhi
    • AI188 – Vancouver to Delhi – Diverted to Jeddah
    • AI101 – Delhi to New York – Diverted to Frankfurt/Milan
    • AI126 – Chicago to Delhi – Diverted to Jeddah
    • AI132 – London Heathrow to Bengaluru – Diverted to Sharjah
    • AI2016 – London Heathrow to Delhi – Diverted to Vienna
    • AI104 – Washington to Delhi – Diverted to Vienna
    • AI190 – Toronto to Delhi – Diverted to Frankfurt
    • AI189 – Delhi to Toronto – Returned to Delhi

    Earlier in the day, flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed several long-haul Air India flights abruptly changing course or returning, prompting speculation that was later confirmed to be linked to the Iran airspace shutdown.

    What Triggered the Airspace Closure?

    Tensions escalated sharply after Israel launched airstrikes inside Iran, reportedly targeting nuclear sites, missile factories, and top military personnel.

    According to international media reports, explosions were heard near Natanz, the country’s main uranium enrichment facility. Iran’s state television claimed that Revolutionary Guards commander Hossein Salami had been killed in the attack, along with multiple casualties in Tehran, including children.

    In a recorded video, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “We are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history,” hinting at the possibility of a prolonged military campaign to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Israel has also declared a state of emergency, anticipating retaliation.

    Air India Plane Crashes in Ahmedabad; 241 Dead

    In a separate tragedy, Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday evening, killing 241 people. Only one passenger survived and is undergoing treatment.

    The aircraft was London-bound with 242 passengers, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who perished in the crash. The plane crashed into the BJ Medical College complex in Meghaninagar, causing additional fatalities on the ground.

    Officials confirmed that among the deceased were:

    • 168 Indians
    • 53 British nationals
    • 7 Portuguese
    • 1 Canadian

    Four MBBS students and the wife of a doctor were also killed in the medical complex.

    Eyewitnesses said the plane appeared to lose altitude rapidly before crashing in a ball of fire, releasing thick black smoke visible for miles.

    According to Home Minister Amit Shah, there was virtually “no chance of survival” due to the intense heat from over 1.25 lakh litres of jet fuel burning on impact.

    Government Responds; Rescue Operation in Final Stages

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ahmedabad on Friday morning to review the situation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, met with officials and rescue teams late Thursday to assess the aftermath.

    Rescue operations continued overnight and are now in their final stages, according to officials. A formal investigation has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the crash.

    Summary

    From global air disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions to the devastating crash in Ahmedabad, Air India faces one of its darkest weeks in recent history. While international diplomatic efforts try to cool down the Iran-Israel conflict, the nation mourns the lives lost in the tragic Ahmedabad crash.

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