Air India’ Delhi–Tel Aviv flight was forced to turn back on Saturday (February 28, 2026) after Israel and Iran closed their airspaces , followed by the airline cancelling all its West Asia bound flights amid escalating regional tensions.
“AI139 operating from Delhi to Tel Aviv on 28 February is returning to India due to the closure of airspace in Israel and in the interest of the safety of passengers and crew,” the airline said in a statement.
Also read: Israel-Iran conflict LIVE updates
A senior official from the Ministry of Civil Aviation told The Hindu that the “government is reviewing the rapidly evolving situation”.
“We have to ensure passengers have timely information and airlines are able to plan alternate routes keeping safety and pilot rest and duty norms in mind,” the official said.
