An IndiGo flight from Tbilisi, Georgia to Delhi was reportedly the last non-Iranian aircraft to cross Iranian airspace before Tehran abruptly closed it on Thursday amid escalating unrest. The sudden closure has prompted IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet to warn passengers of potential flight disruptions.
Iran issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) early Thursday, halting most commercial flights except a limited number of approved international services. Flight-tracking data showed skies over Iran and Iraq rapidly clearing as the order took effect. The closure has since been extended as tensions rise following the regime’s violent crackdown on anti-Khamenei protests, which have claimed over 2,400 lives since unrest erupted on December 28.
According to Flightradar24, IndiGo flight 6E1808 departed Tbilisi at 11:29 am on Wednesday and landed in Delhi at 7:03 am Thursday, passing over Iranian airspace around 2:35 am.
Airlines are adjusting operations in response. IndiGo confirmed that some international flights are affected and is offering rebooking or refunds. Air India said flights over the region are being rerouted where possible, causing potential delays, while those that cannot be rerouted have been cancelled. SpiceJet has similarly warned passengers to check flight status before heading to airports. All three carriers continue to monitor the situation closely.
Iran’s airspace closures are not unprecedented; similar restrictions were imposed during the 12-day Israel war in June and amid exchanges with Israel during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite no active hostilities currently, the closure has disrupted global aviation due to Iran’s position on key East-West flight routes.
The sudden moves, combined with the US withdrawing troops from its largest Middle East base, have fueled speculation of a potential attack on Tehran. A Western military official told Reuters that while the signals suggest an imminent US strike, such maneuvers are often used strategically to keep adversaries off balance. Iran has also warned neighboring countries hosting US bases that any attack on its territory could provoke retaliatory strikes.
