Amid heightened geopolitical tensions following Israel’s preemptive military strike on Iran, flight schedules across India have been impacted, particularly due to airspace restrictions over Iran, Iraq, and neighbouring regions, Delhi Airport confirmed on Friday.
In a post on social media platform X, the Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi Airport) stated: “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 have been urged to contact their respective airlines for real-time updates and rely solely on official communication channels for accurate information.
Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Iran also issued a safety advisory for Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin residing in the country.
The advisory, shared on X, read: “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.”
These developments follow Israel’s announcement of a major military campaign, Operation Rising Lion, aimed at neutralising what it calls an existential threat from Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
According to The Times of Israel, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the launch of a preemptive strike and announced a nationwide state of emergency, anticipating possible missile and drone attacks from Iran.
“Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future,” Katz stated.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a televised address, declared that the operation had targeted multiple high-value Iranian military and nuclear facilities. Calling Iran’s nuclear ambitions a direct threat to Israel’s survival, he said:
“Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival. This mission will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”
Netanyahu further accused Iran of having produced enough enriched uranium for nine nuclear bombs, warning the regime could weaponise it within months. Drawing historical parallels, he invoked the Holocaust and World War II, asserting that Israel would not allow history to repeat itself.
“Never again is now,” Netanyahu declared, defending Israel’s decision to strike preemptively.
The situation remains tense with possible wider implications for regional and international air travel, prompting advisories and heightened alert across multiple diplomatic missions, including India’s.
