IndiGo plane last to cross Iran before sudden airspace shutdown; Indian airlines warn of disruptions
PTC Web Desk: An IndiGo aircraft flying from Tbilisi in Georgia to Delhi is believed to have been the final non-Iranian commercial flight to transit Iranian airspace before Tehran abruptly suspended civilian aviation operations early Thursday, triggering widespread disruptions across international routes.
According to flight-tracking data, IndiGo flight 6E 1808 departed Tbilisi at 11.29 am on Wednesday and arrived in Delhi at 7.03 am on Thursday. The aircraft crossed Iranian airspace at around 2.35 am, shortly before Iran issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing the closure of its skies.
Following the sudden decision, major Indian carriers, including IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet, alerted passengers to possible delays and cancellations on select international services. The airspace closure forced airlines to reroute flights or suspend operations on affected routes, as Iran lies along a crucial east-west aviation corridor.
Iran initially restricted its airspace for several hours before extending the closure amid heightened internal tensions. Live data from aviation tracking platforms showed commercial traffic rapidly thinning over Iran and neighbouring Iraq in the hours leading up to the announcement.
The closure comes against the backdrop of escalating unrest in Iran, where protests against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have intensified since late December. Reports suggest that more than 2,400 persons have died during a violent crackdown on demonstrators over the past two weeks.
#TravelUpdate: Due to airspace closure in Iran, some of our flights may be affected. Passengers are advised to check their flight status at https://t.co/2wynECZugy or contact our 24*7 Reservation Helpline numbers at 91 (0)124 4983410 or 91 (0)124 7101600 for assistance. — SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) January 15, 2026
Travel Advisory
Due to the sudden airspace closure by Iran, some of our international flights are impacted. Our teams are working diligently to assess the situation and support affected customers by offering the best possible alternatives.
This development is beyond our… — IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) January 14, 2026
In response to the developing situation, IndiGo confirmed that some of its international flights have been impacted and said it is assisting passengers through rebooking options or refunds. Air India stated that flights operating over the region are being diverted wherever feasible, which could lead to longer travel times, while services that cannot be rerouted have been cancelled. SpiceJet also advised passengers to verify flight schedules before arriving at airports.
All three airlines said they are closely monitoring the situation and will issue further updates as required.
Earlier, Iran has closed its airspace during periods of military escalation, including during clashes with Israel and earlier regional conflicts. While there has been no official explanation for the latest shutdown, the move has immediately affected global aviation due to Iran’s strategic geographic position.
The closure has also sparked international speculation amid reports of heightened military activity in the region. Recent emergency measures, including the United States reducing personnel at key Middle East bases, have fuelled concerns about a possible escalation. While Western officials have cautioned against drawing firm conclusions, they acknowledged that such developments often add to regional uncertainty.
Iran, meanwhile, has warned neighbouring countries hosting US military facilities that any attack on its territory could prompt retaliation against American installations.
- With inputs from agencies
