Air India cancels some US flights due to Iranian airspace closure
New Delhi (PTI): Air India on Thursday cancelled at least three flights to the US, and certain services to Europe will face some delays due to Iranian airspace closure, according to a source.
At least three flights — two from the national capital to New York and Newark, and one from Mumbai to New York — have been cancelled, the source told PTI.
In a post on X, the airline said that due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, flights overflying the region are now using an alternative routing, which may lead to delays.
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"Some Air India flights where currently rerouting is not possible are being cancelled," the airline said, and regretted the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen disruption.
Air India uses Iranian airspace for flights to the US and Europe, and the alternative option is to fly over Iraq airspace.
Since using Iraq's airspace will mean a longer duration, the aircraft will not have enough fuel to operate some of the services to the US, the source said.
With the Pakistan airspace closure, Air India is already taking longer routes for many of the West-bound flights.
Tensions are mounting between Iran and the US, with apprehensions that the situation could escalate into a conflict between the two countries.
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5 killed, 10 injured in van-tractor collision in Bhopal
Bhopal (PTI): Five persons were killed and 10 others injured when a van and a tractor trolley collided in Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal, police said on Thursday.
The accident occurred late Wednesday night in the district's Berasia area, they said.
The tractor trolley was carrying people returning from a holy bath in Narmadapuram on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
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A pickup van headed for Narmadapuram and the tractor trolley collided head-on, Berasia police station inspector in-charge Vijendra Sen said.
After being alerted, police rushed to the spot and pulled out passengers trapped in the damaged vehicles.
Five van occupants, including three of a family, died on the spot. The deceased have been identified as Mukesh Ahirwar (40), Babri Bai (60), Deepak (14), Laxmi Bai (60), and Hari Bai (60), all residents of Sironj, the official said.
Ten persons, including three children, from both vehicles were injured. They have been referred to Hamidia and other private hospitals in Bhopal for treatment.
