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Air India halts US, Canada flights amid Middle East crisis
Flights to major North American gateways have been cancelled or diverted mid-air.
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Malvika Choudhary - Mon, 23, Jun 2025
- 16:10 EDT
- 42
Air India / X/ (@airindia)
Air India suspended all flights to and from the East Coast of North America with immediate effect in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
“Amid the developing situation in the Middle East, Air India has ceased all operations to the region as well as to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe with immediate effect, until further notice,” an Air India spokesperson said.
Also Read: Airlines weigh Middle East cancellations after US strikes in Iran strand thousands
“Our India-bound flights from North America are diverting back to their respective origins and others are being diverted back to India or re-routed away from the closed airspaces,” the airline which operates direct flights to New York (JFK), Newark, Washington Dulles, Toronto, and Vancouver said.
#TravelAdvisory
— Air India (@airindia) June 23, 2025
“Amid the developing situation in the Middle East, Air India has ceased all operations to the region as well as to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe with immediate effect, until further notice. Our India-bound flights from North America are…
“We request the understanding of all passengers who may be affected by this disruption that’s beyond an airline’s control. Air India is in continuous consultation with its external security advisors and is vigilantly monitoring the evolving situation, the airline added.
The move comes following Iran’s missile strike on a U.S. military base in Qatar. The airspace closures that followed across the Gulf region have also prompted Qatar Airways to suspend its own services.
Air India’s decision affects flights not only across the Gulf and Europe but also directly impacts travelers between India and key North American cities. Passengers on transatlantic routes are facing significant delays and cancellations, with aircraft either returning to their point of origin or rerouting through safer air corridors over the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.
This development adds to existing operational pressures on the carrier, which recently reduced international service following the crash of Flight AI171 on the Ahmedabad–London route. That incident led to a review of Air India’s wide-body fleet and dozens of flight cancellations.
While no timeline has been announced for the resumption of service, Air India said it is closely monitoring the situation and will resume flights when safe. Passengers are advised to check directly with the airline for updates and rebooking options.
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