Due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, Indian airlines flying to destinations in the United States and Europe have started using extended flight paths, adding up to 45 minutes of additional airtime for passengers. This rerouting is a precautionary measure to steer clear of Iranian airspace, following India Today’s coverage.
Carriers such as Air India, Vistara, and IndiGo have shifted their routes to pass through Central Asia and the Arabian Peninsula instead. According to insights from India Today’s Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) team, this has affected flight durations between major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai and international hubs such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, and New York, where flights have been extending by 15 to 45 minutes since April 13. This adjustment correlates with the commencement of Iranian military actions against Israel involving rockets and drones.
Vistara has communicated that they are now utilizing alternative flight paths which have resulted in longer travel times and potential delays. The aviation industry experts anticipate a rise in ticket prices for flights linking India with the US, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East due to the increased fuel consumption necessitated by these longer detours.
This change in routing strategies is a response to safety advisories, including NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) issued by Iran prior to their attacks on Israel, warning of potential hazards in their airspace. The anticipation of possible retaliatory strikes from Israel has prompted several airlines to circumvent the region altogether.
For example, Vistara’s UK23 non-stop service from Mumbai to Paris experienced delays of 48 minutes on April 13 and 40 minutes on April 14. In a similar vein, Air India’s Mumbai to London service, AIC131, was delayed by 19 minutes on April 14 and 33 minutes on April 15. Routes between New York and key Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai have also seen modest increases in flight duration as the airlines now prefer the Central Asian aerial routes.
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