IndiGo Extends Flight Cancellations to Central Asia Amid Iran Airspace Tensions

IndiGo has extended the cancellation of flights to several Central Asian and Caucasus destinations as tensions around Iran continue to disrupt regional airspace operations. The airline announced that services to Tbilisi, Almaty, Baku and Tashkent will remain suspended until March 28, prioritising passenger safety and operational stability.

The extension follows an earlier suspension that was scheduled to end on February 28. The airline said the decision was taken after closely monitoring developments in the region and assessing potential risks to flight operations.

Flights affected include routes connecting India with:

• Tbilisi, Georgia
• Almaty, Kazakhstan
• Baku, Azerbaijan
• Tashkent, Uzbekistan

IndiGo stated that evolving geopolitical conditions around Iran and its airspace continue to impact safe flight operations. The airline emphasised that customer and crew safety remains its top priority while it reviews schedules to minimise inconvenience.

Airlines worldwide have been reassessing flight paths as tensions rise between Iran and the United States. Concerns over potential military escalation and security risks have prompted carriers to avoid Iranian airspace. As a result, both IndiGo and Air India have rerouted long-haul flights to ensure safety.

Avoiding Iranian airspace has significantly increased flight times, fuel consumption and operational complexity. These changes have forced airlines to adjust schedules and, in some cases, suspend routes that have become difficult to operate efficiently.

Earlier this month, IndiGo also announced changes to its long-haul operations due to airspace restrictions and operational pressures. The airline confirmed that flights to Copenhagen will be suspended from February 17, while services on the Delhi–London Heathrow and Delhi–Manchester routes will be reduced.

According to the airline, continuously changing airspace restrictions, congestion at major international airports and longer flying durations have increased block times. These factors have placed pressure on its leased Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner operations, which currently operate with a limited fleet.

The extended cancellations highlight how geopolitical tensions can affect global travel, even in regions far from conflict zones. Aviation experts note that route changes and cancellations may continue if regional instability persists.

Passengers booked on affected routes are advised to check their flight status regularly through the airline’s website or mobile app. IndiGo has stated that impacted travellers will be offered rebooking options or refunds according to applicable policies.

Industry observers say that airlines will continue monitoring the situation closely and may restore services once airspace conditions stabilise and operational safety can be ensured.

For now, the airline’s decision underscores the growing influence of geopolitical developments on aviation networks and travel planning.