New Delhi, Mar 9 (UNI) An IndiGo flight bound for the United Kingdom’s Manchester from New Delhi was forced to turn back mid-air on Monday after flying for nearly seven hours.
The disruption was caused by last-minute airspace restrictions linked to escalating tensions in West Asia following US and Israeli strikes on Iran about 10 days ago.
While flying near the border of Ethiopia and Eritrea, the IndiGo flight, operated by Norse Atlantic Airways, turned around, flight-tracking website Flightradar24 said on X.
An IndiGo spokesperson said, “Due to the evolving situation in and around the Middle East, some of our flights may be required to take longer routes or be diverted. Our flight 6E 033 from Delhi to Manchester had to return to its point of origin following last-minute airspace restrictions amid the ongoing situation in West Asia.”
“We are coordinating with the appropriate authorities to assess the options for resuming the journey. As always, the safety and security of our passengers, crew, and aircraft remain our top priority,” the spokesperson added in his statement.
The conflict in West Asia that began on February 28 has continued to expand beyond Iran and Israel, with Tehran’s retaliatory strikes hitting US military bases and related infrastructure across the Gulf, including in countries such as Oman, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain.
Saudi Arabia has also accused Iran of aggression, while Tehran insists its strikes are aimed solely at US military bases as retaliation for what it describes as an unprovoked attack.
Although airspace in the region has been largely restricted, flights have continued on alternative routes, including some to and from the UAE, over the past week.
