Air India reroutes flight paths to avoid the Gulf region

Air India is adjusting its flight paths to parts of the Middle East, Europe and North America to avoid volatile airspace in the Gulf region, it notified. The Tata-owned air carrier confirmed that it already avoids flying over Iran, Iraq and Israel, and will now progressively steer clear of certain airspace over the Persian Gulf. Flights to the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait are among those expected to take longer as a result. This adjustment may lead to extended flight durations for these services, as well as for select flights to/from Europe and North America. Moreover, Air India stressed that the move is precautionary, taken in consultation with external security advisors, and forms part of a response to evolving geopolitical risks, as per a report.