Air India Flights flew Over Iranian Airspace Just Before Israeli Attack

Two Air India flights crossed Iranian-controlled airspace just hours before Iran launched a major air attack on Israel, raising concerns about passenger and crew safety. Flightradar24, a website that tracks flights, shows Air India flights 116 (New York to Mumbai) and 131 (Mumbai to London) traveling over the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman on April 13th and 14th, respectively. These dates coincide with a period of heightened tensions between Iran and Israel.

Iran's attack on Israel, which involved firing at least 300 drones and missiles, was anticipated following heightened tensions since April 1, when fighter jets targeted a building linked to the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, Syria.

The Air India planes involved were a Boeing 777-232 and a Boeing 777ER, with capacities of approximately 280 and 330 passengers, respectively.

An Air India spokesperson said the airline's commitment to passenger, crew, and aircraft safety. They stated that the airline's flight operations plan is always risk-assessed, with no compromises on safety. Regarding the two flights cited, the spokesperson denied any compromise on safety and explained that, despite the availability of Iranian airspace without restrictions or NOTAM (notice to airmen), Air India closely monitored the Middle East situation. Some west-bound flights were rerouted along a safe corridor as part of their risk assessment.

Other airlines, including Malaysia Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, also flew over Iranian airspace on April 13. Global airlines began rerouting or canceling flights over the weekend and on April 15. Air India rerouted some flights on April 13 as a precaution, with flights from Kochi to London Gatwick and Delhi to Frankfurt taking a longer route via Afghanistan.

The decision-making process behind rerouting specific flights remains unclear.

History full of planes downed in warzones

The history of aviation includes instances of civilian aircraft downed in or near war zones. For instance, a Ukrainian plane was shot down in Iran in January 2020, killing 176 people. In July 2014, a Malaysia Airlines plane was shot down over eastern Ukraine, resulting in 298 fatalities. These incidents highlight the risks associated with flying over conflict areas.

Airlines prioritize passenger safety, often rerouting flights to avoid potential hazards, even if it means longer routes. Safety precautions, such as flying at higher altitudes and rerouting flights, are standard practice in the aviation industry.