The situation in the Middle East has now become very sensitive. The conflict between Israel and Iran has had a direct impact on international air travel. Considering this war environment, Air India has taken a big step. Due to security reasons, the company has stopped all its flights to the entire Middle East including Dubai, Doha, Riyadh and Tel Aviv with immediate effect.
Flights returned from the sky, brakes on these big cities
Israel has started ‘Operation Roaring Lion’ against Iran and it is getting America’s support in this action. Iran is also retaliating, due to which many countries have closed their airspace. The seriousness of the situation can be gauged from the fact that on February 28, Air India flight AI139 going to Tel Aviv had to return to India midway.
Flights of which countries have been directly affected?
Keeping security in mind, Air India has currently suspended its services on many important routes. These include Dubai and Abu Dhabi of UAE, Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam of Saudi Arabia. Apart from this, all international flights going to Doha in Qatar, Muscat in Oman and Tel Aviv in Israel have been cancelled.
Safety of passengers is paramount, airline companies keep a close watch
Air India has clarified in the advisory that the safety of passengers and crew is the top priority. The company is continuously assessing the security situation. At the same time, Indigo has also issued a travel advisory on this situation. Indigo says that its team is keeping a close watch on the situation in Iran and the Gulf region and keeping in mind the security, immediate changes will be made in flight operations.
Be careful before travelling, constantly check your status
Airlines have appealed to all passengers traveling on the affected routes to check the status of their flights before leaving home. Indigo has assured that in case of change in flight, passengers will be informed immediately on their registered numbers. The companies are making every effort to ensure that the passengers face minimum hassle.
Panic in European countries, citizens advised to return immediately
This tension has also increased the concerns of western countries. The British government has withdrawn its staff from Iran. France has strongly advised its citizens not to go to Israel and the West Bank. Italy has also appealed to its citizens to leave Iran, while Germany has made its travel guidelines even stricter for the whole of Israel.