Air India's Delhi-Tel Aviv flight turns back after US-Israel strikes on Iran

Due to the airspace closure, Air India flight operating between Delhi and Tel Aviv were impacted.

Updated on: Feb 28, 2026, 15:05:46 IST

By Shivya Kanojia

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Israel on Saturday closed its airspace as tensions with Iran intensified following what it described as a pre-emptive strike. The reported strikes were said to be joint operations carried out by the Israeli and American militaries on Iran.

The reported strikes were said to be joint operations carried out by the Israeli and American militaries against Iran. (PTI)

Due to the airspace closure, Air India flight operating between Delhi and Tel Aviv were impacted.

Air India flight AI139 from Delhi to Tel Aviv and the return flight AI140 from TLV to Delhi have been affected due to the temporary closure of the Tehran Flight Information Region (FIR) until 1200 UTC today.

Also read| US calls strikes on Iran 'Operation Epic Fury'

The airline confirmed that AI139, which departed from Delhi for Tel Aviv on February 28, is returning to India due to the closure of Israeli airspace.

“AI139 operating from Delhi to Tel Aviv on 28 February is air returning to India due to closure of air space in Israel and in the interest of safety of passengers and crew. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen situation and remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety. We will continue to assess the safety and security environment for our flight operations and adjust operations proactively as needed,” an Air India spokesperson said.

The airline added that it is closely monitoring the situation and will take further operational decisions based on safety assessments.

Why did Israel shut its airspace?

Israel shut its airspace in response to fresh security concerns and advised people to avoid airports until further notice. The transport ministry said passengers would be informed at least 24 hours in advance before flights are allowed to resume, news agency Bloomberg reported.

The closure comes at a time of heightened strain between United States and Iran, even as the two sides remain engaged in talks aimed at preventing direct American military action. Despite Washington maintaining that diplomacy is still an option, US President Donald Trump has significantly expanded the US military presence in the region, including the deployment of a second aircraft carrier to waters near Israel.

Regional air travel has faced similar disruptions in the past. Last year, an Iranian attack on the largest US military base in the Middle East prompted Qatar and neighbouring states to shut their airspace, leaving tens of thousands of travellers stranded and severely disrupting operations at Doha’s airport.

Airspace across large parts of the Middle East has been restricted multiple times over the past two years, forcing airlines to cancel lucrative routes, incur higher fuel costs and take longer detours, in some cases flying over countries such as Afghanistan, to steer clear of conflict zones.

Meanwhile, Iraq also closed its national airspace on Saturday following Israel’s pre-emptive strike on Iran, according to the Iraqi transport ministry, as per Reuters.

Schools across Israel closed

Schools across Israel have been closed as a precautionary measure, and authorities have advised the public to work from home and banned all public gatherings across the country.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shivya Kanojia
Shivya Kanojia is a journalist at Hindustan Times, where she works in the fast-paced digital news ecosystem with a strong sense of editorial judgement and a clear understanding of what makes a story both important and traffic-driven. An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Shivya brings a thoughtful balance of news value and audience relevance to her work, ensuring stories resonate beyond the immediate headline. Over the course of her three-year journey in the digital news space, Shivya has worked across a wide range of beats, including politics, civic issues, human-interest features and trending news. This diverse exposure has shaped her ability to approach stories with nuance, adaptability and context, whether she is breaking down complex developments or spotlighting everyday narratives that often go unnoticed. She is particularly drawn to human-interest stories, interviews and explainers that offer depth and clarity, aiming to move past surface-level reporting to explore the people, emotions and circumstances behind the news. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Shivya worked with Firstpost and Times Now, where she covered a broad spectrum of topics and honed her skills in digital journalism . Outside the newsroom, Shivya enjoys discovering new cafés, drawn to good coffee, cosy spaces and unhurried conversations. Shopping is another pastime she cherishes, not always out of necessity, but often guided by instinct and the simple joy of stumbling upon unexpected finds. Above all, she treasures time spent with loved ones, finding meaning in shared laughter, simple moments and memories that linger long after.Read More

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