Air India on Thursday rejected what it said were allegations circulating on social media that its planes flew over restricted airspace in the Middle East despite tensions in the region.
Gulf airspace has been largely closed since the US-Israeli strikes on Iran last Saturday and the recent retaliation that led to a full-scale military conflict between the two sides that also involved their allies.
In a post on X, Air India said it does not operate flights over any restricted airspace.
Fake News Alert – “Indian Airlines flew over restricted airspace in the Middle East despite tensions in the region.” – Air India
Air India said these claims circulating on social media are untrue and do not reflect our actual flight operations or safety protocols, while citing “actual information” that it “does not operate flights over any restricted airspace”.
“Flight routes are planned using real-time intelligence, global advisory and continuous monitoring to ensure every flight remains safe, compliant and reliable,” Air India said.
She added that these operational decisions underscore Air India’s firm commitment to prioritizing the safety and security of passengers and cabin crew above all else.
Meanwhile, Air India on Wednesday said it plans to start scheduled operations to and from Jeddah to Delhi and Mumbai from March 5.
The national carrier also said in a post on the X website that it is closely monitoring developments in the situation in the Middle East.
“While most of our operations to the Middle East will remain suspended until 2359 hours EST on March 5 after careful assessment of the current situation, Air India plans to commence its scheduled operations to and from Jeddah from March 5,” the airline said.
As part of this, Air India will operate two flights to Mumbai and one to Delhi from Jeddah.
