Air India, Vistara Flights To Avoid Iranian Airspace As Middle East Tensions Rise

<p><strong>New Delhi:</strong> Indian carriers Air India and Vistara have announced their decision on April 13 to avoid flying over the Iranian airspace for flights bound to Europe and other Western destinations, citing the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.</p> <p>As tensions escalate in West Asia, the potential for conflict between Iran and Israel casts a foreboding shadow not only over the region but also global air travel.</p> <p>In light of these uncertainties, the airlines are taking preemptive measures to ensure the safety of their passengers and crew by rerouting flights away from potential flashpoints.</p> <p>&ldquo;Due to the current situation affecting parts of the Middle East, we are making changes to the flight paths of some of our flights. Contingency routes, which are kept available to ensure operational continuity during such eventualities, are being used instead. This may result in longer flight times on certain routes and associated delays. The situation is being monitored closely and further changes will be made if required,&rdquo; ANI quoted Vistara spokesperson as saying.</p> <p>&ldquo;We are closely monitoring the developing situation in the Middle East. Presently, our aircraft will operate on alternate flight paths to and from India- according top priority to the safety of our passengers and crew,&rdquo; Air India said in a statement.</p> <p>On April 12, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an advisory urging Indian citizens to refrain from traveling to both Iran and Israel until further notice.</p> <p>Amid the tension in the Middle East, the Israeli army issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that the nation will face &ldquo;consequences&rdquo; for escalating conflict in the region. The warning came close on the heels of Iran's announcement that it seized an Israeli cargo ship over the weekend. According to reports, Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized a container ship in the Gulf on Saturday, claiming its connection to Israel, thereby intensifying tensions in the region.</p> <p>The cargo vessel, seized off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), had 17 Indian nationals among its crew. India has raised concerns with Iran regarding their release, but as of now, no progress has been made, sources told ABP LIVE.</p>

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