IndiGo Flights to Tbilisi and Baku Make Technical Stop in Doha Amid Iranian Airspace Closure

IndiGo and Air India have adjusted their flight paths due to the closure of Iranian airspace amid tensions between Iran and Israel. IndiGo flights to Tbilisi and Baku now refuel in Doha, while Air India reroutes European flights through Egypt. This change has increased travel times for passengers, officials confirmed on Sunday.

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The closure of Iranian airspace has led to longer flight durations from India to Europe. Airlines are taking alternative routes since Friday, resulting in extended travel times. IndiGo's narrow-body A321 planes, used for flights to Tbilisi, Georgia, and Baku, Azerbaijan, require a refuelling stop in Doha, Qatar.

Impact on Flight Operations

Air India has opted for routes through Egypt and Greece to reach European destinations. Although there are no refuelling stops required, flight times have increased by up to 90 minutes. Air India uses wide-body Boeing 787s and Airbus 350s for these routes.

IndiGo mentioned on X that the ongoing airspace restrictions over Iran have caused congestion in the Gulf region. This may lead to delays in certain sectors as airlines continue using alternate paths. Extended travel times are expected as a result.

Operational Challenges

Air India also posted on X about the situation in Iran and parts of the Middle East. The airline stated that some flights are operating on alternative extended routes for passenger safety. Flights to North America already take longer routes due to Pakistan's airspace closure.

Longer flying hours increase operational costs because aircraft consume more fuel. Airlines also face challenges with Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) for crew members. In April, IndiGo temporarily cancelled flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Tashkent, Uzbekistan due to similar constraints.

Both IndiGo and Air India have not commented further on these changes. However, passengers should anticipate longer travel times as airlines navigate these airspace restrictions.

With inputs from PTI