Several Indian airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, on Thursday issued travel advisories after Iran abruptly closed its airspace, disrupting multiple international flight routes. The sudden shutdown has led to delays, rerouting, and cancellations, particularly for long-haul flights that typically pass over Iranian territory.

The development comes amid intensifying protests in Iran against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, raising serious aviation safety concerns in the region.

Air India warns of delays and cancellations

Air India was among the first carriers to alert passengers. In a post on X, the airline said flights that usually overfly Iran are now being rerouted to ensure passenger safety, which may result in longer flight times.

“Due to the emerging situation in Iran and the subsequent closure of its airspace, Air India flights are operating via alternative routes, which may lead to delays. Some flights where rerouting is not feasible are being cancelled,” the airline said.

Air India urged passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport, reiterating that the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority.

IndiGo issues travel alert, offers rebooking and refunds

IndiGo also confirmed that several of its international services were impacted due to Iran’s “sudden airspace closure.”

“Our teams are working diligently to assess the situation and support affected customers by offering the best possible alternatives,” the airline said.

IndiGo added that impacted passengers would be provided options such as rebooking on alternate flights or refunds, depending on individual cases.

SpiceJet advises passengers to stay updated

SpiceJet released a similar advisory, informing travellers that some of its flights could be affected due to the closure.

“Passengers are advised to check their flight status on our website or contact our 24×7 reservation helpline for assistance,” the airline said in a statement on X.

Why Iran closed its airspace

Iran ordered the closure of its airspace to commercial aircraft early Thursday, according to a notice issued to pilots. While no official reason was provided, the restriction was initially expected to remain in effect until 7:30 am local time.

The move coincides with widespread domestic protests, heightened security measures, and growing fears of a possible US military response. Iran has previously shut its airspace during periods of conflict, including:

• The 12-day confrontation with Israel in June
• Exchanges of fire during the Israel–Hamas conflict

Airlines globally avoiding Iranian airspace

Aviation risk-monitoring platform SafeAirspace reported that most international airlines are now avoiding Iranian airspace altogether. Several carriers have already reduced or suspended services in the region.

Experts warn that airspace closures often signal potential military or security activity, including air defence operations or missile launches, which raise the risk of civilian aircraft being misidentified.

What passengers should do

• Check flight status directly with airlines before travel
• Expect longer travel times due to rerouting
• Be prepared for last-minute schedule changes or cancellations
• Opt for flexible rebooking or refunds if offered

As the situation in Iran remains volatile, airlines are expected to continue monitoring developments closely and adjust operations in line with safety advisories from international aviation authorities.

Dehradun:
In a tragic road accident, a passenger bus plunged into a deep gorge near Bhikiyasain in Uttarakhand’s Almora district on Tuesday morning, leaving at least six to seven people feared dead, according to officials from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

The accident occurred on the Bhikiyasain–Vinayak Motor Road, a hilly stretch known for sharp turns and narrow passages. The bus was reportedly en route from Bhikiyasain to Ramnagar when it skidded off the road and fell into the gorge under circumstances that are still being investigated.

Rescue operations underway

Soon after receiving the distress call, SDRF rescue teams were rushed to the accident site, along with local police and district administration officials. Due to the steep terrain and difficult access, rescue efforts have been challenging.

Several injured passengers were pulled out of the gorge and shifted to the Government Hospital in Bhikiyasain, while those with serious injuries were referred to higher medical centres for advanced treatment.

“Rescue teams have been dispatched to the spot. There are reports of some fatalities,” Almora SSP Devendra Pincha said, adding that relief and evacuation operations were ongoing.

Chief Minister Dhami expresses grief

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said he was personally monitoring the situation.

“We have received extremely distressing news of a bus accident on the Bhikiyasain–Vinayak Motor Road in Almora district. This incident is profoundly painful and heart-wrenching,” CM Dhami said in a post on X.

He added that the district administration has been directed to ensure immediate medical care for the injured, and all necessary assistance is being provided to affected families.

Union Minister Ajay Tamta reacts

Union Minister and Almora–Pithoragarh MP Ajay Tamta also expressed anguish over the tragedy. He said that police, SDRF and administrative teams were carrying out a coordinated rescue operation.

“The news of this horrific road accident is extremely heartbreaking. Several passengers are feared dead or injured after the bus plunged into a gorge,” Tamta posted, assuring that medical facilities were being extended without delay.

Hill road safety concerns resurface

The incident once again highlights ongoing safety concerns on Uttarakhand’s hilly roads, especially during winter months when low temperatures, fog and slippery surfaces increase accident risks. Authorities are expected to conduct a technical inspection of the vehicle and assess road conditions to determine the cause of the crash.

More details are awaited as rescue operations continue and officials work to confirm the exact number of casualties.

The central government has firmly rejected allegations that it altered the definition of the Aravalli hills to permit mining activities, stating that a Supreme Court order has effectively frozen the granting of new mining leases in the region unless a comprehensive and scientifically vetted management plan is finalised.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the government said the apex court has clearly directed authorities to adopt uniform criteria to protect the Aravalli range, warning that unchecked mining could pose a “serious threat to the country’s ecology.” The clarification comes amid growing concerns and protests by environmental groups over the perceived dilution of safeguards for one of India’s oldest mountain ranges.

Supreme Court-mandated committee and uniform definition

The government pointed out that in May last year, the Supreme Court constituted a high-level committee to recommend a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills, citing inconsistencies in how different states classified and regulated the region. The committee was chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and included representatives from Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat.

According to the government, the committee proposed several enhancements to existing definitions to strengthen environmental protection. These include marking the Aravalli hills clearly on Survey of India maps before any mining-related activity is even considered and ensuring precise identification of core or inviolate zones, where mining would be strictly prohibited.

Key recommendations to protect the Aravallis

The government said the committee recommended a clear, objective and scientifically robust criterion to determine local relief and hill structures, ensuring uniform application across all states and full protection of the hill landform up to its base.

Among the notable recommendations:

• Hills located within 500 metres of each other should be treated as a single range and protected accordingly.
• Clear demarcation of areas where mining is permanently banned.
• Detailed guidelines to enable sustainable mining, where permitted, while preventing ecological damage.
• Stronger mechanisms to curb illegal mining, including enhanced monitoring and enforcement.

Mining footprint remains minimal, government claims

To counter claims of widespread legal mining, the government said district-level analysis across Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat shows that officially approved mining covers only about 0.19 per cent of the total geographical area of the 37 Aravalli districts combined. Delhi, which has five districts falling under the Aravalli region, does not permit any mining activity at all, it added.

Illegal mining remains the biggest threat

The government acknowledged that the primary threat to the Aravallis continues to be illegal and unregulated mining, rather than sanctioned projects. To address this, the committee has recommended the use of advanced technology such as drones, satellite imagery and real-time surveillance, along with stricter enforcement at the district and state levels.

Additional context: Why the Aravallis matter

The Aravalli range, stretching across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi, is one of the oldest mountain systems in the world and plays a crucial role in:

• Preventing desertification in northwestern India
• Recharging groundwater
• Acting as a natural barrier against dust storms
• Supporting biodiversity and forest cover

Environmentalists have long warned that degradation of the Aravallis could worsen air pollution in Delhi-NCR, intensify water scarcity and accelerate climate-related impacts.

By invoking the Supreme Court’s directives, the government has sought to reassure stakeholders that environmental safeguards remain intact, even as debates over development, mining and conservation continue.