New Delhi, Feb 28: : Air India’s Delhi–Tel Aviv service returned to the national capital on Saturday after Israel launched what it termed “preventive” strikes on Iran, triggering widespread airspace closures across parts of the Middle East and disrupting multiple international flight operations.
Israel’s Defence Minister confirmed the strikes, with local media in Tehran reporting multiple explosions. Missiles reportedly hit areas along University Street and the Jomhouri district, while dense smoke was seen near Pasteur Street — home to several key government buildings. Authorities have not yet confirmed casualties or the extent of damage.
Low-cost carrier IndiGo said it is closely monitoring developments related to Iranian airspace. “The safety and security of our customers and crew remain our highest priority,” the airline said in an advisory.
In a statement posted on X, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said air raid sirens were sounded nationwide and advance alerts were issued to residents’ mobile phones, instructing them to remain near protected spaces as a precaution against potential missile launches.
Israel subsequently ordered nationwide school closures, advised remote working, and banned public gatherings. Several countries in the region also restricted or shut their airspace, forcing airlines to divert flights bound for Tel Aviv and other destinations.
According to flight tracking platform Flightradar24, numerous carriers altered routes to avoid restricted zones. Flydubai’s FZ984 from Kazan to Dubai diverted to Baku, while AI126 from Chicago to Delhi flew over Syria. Other services, including routes from Sharjah to Moscow and Dubai to San Francisco, were rerouted via Pakistan and Afghanistan.
