Flight operations across parts of Asia have been disrupted following Israel’s launch of a large-scale preemptive military strike against Iran, escalating regional tensions and impacting airspace availability over Iran, Iraq, and neighbouring countries.
In a statement on X, Delhi International Airport confirmed:
“Delhi airport operations are running smoothly. However, due to evolving airspace conditions over Iran, Iraq and the neighbouring region, some flight schedules have been impacted. Passengers are requested to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights. We strongly urge all passengers to rely on official sources for accurate and up-to-date information.”
Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Iran has issued an advisory for Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) residing in Iran, urging caution amid the unfolding crisis.
“In view of the current situation in Iran, all Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin in Iran are requested to remain vigilant, avoid all unnecessary movements, follow the Embassy’s Social Media accounts & observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities,” the Embassy posted on X.
The situation turned volatile after Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that the country had executed a preemptive military strike against Iran. Katz declared a nationwide state of emergency in Israel in anticipation of retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially confirmed the launch of Operation Rising Lion, a campaign aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, which Israel claims pose an existential threat to its survival.
“Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival,” Netanyahu said in a statement, promising that the operation would continue “for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”
Netanyahu accused Iran of stockpiling enough highly enriched uranium to build nine atomic bombs and warned that Tehran was close to weaponising this material, defying global non-proliferation warnings.
He drew stark historical parallels to the Holocaust and World War II, declaring, “Eighty years ago, the Jewish people were the victims of a holocaust perpetrated by the Nazi regime. Today, the Jewish state refuses to be a victim of a nuclear holocaust perpetrated by the Iranian regime. Never again is now.”
Netanyahu also claimed that Israel’s actions had regional benefits, including curbing the influence of Iranian proxies such as Hezbollah and affecting regimes in Lebanon and Syria.
As tensions escalate, major airlines are rerouting or cancelling flights transiting the region’s airspace. Passengers planning international travel, particularly to Europe, the Middle East, or transiting the Gulf region, have been advised to monitor updates from their carriers.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has not yet issued an official statement, but close monitoring is underway as the situation develops.