An IndiGo flight from New Delhi to Manchester, UK was forced to make a mid-air u-turn and is on the way back to the Indian capital after flying for nearly seven hours on Monday. This sudden turn back happened due to last-minute airspace restrictions linked to the ongoing tensions in West Asia (or Middle East) since the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.
The IndiGo flight, operated in partnership with Norwegian carrier Norse, made a U-turn near the Ethiopia–Eritrea border and is returning to Delhi, according to tracking portal Flightradar24 on X.
An IndiGo spokesperson said, “Due to the evolving situation in and around the Middle East, some of our flights may take longer routes or experience diversions. Our flight 6E 033 operating from Delhi to Manchester, had to return to its origin due to last minute airspace restrictions, owing to the ongoing situation in West Asia. We are working with the relevant authorities to explore the possibilities of resuming the journey. As always, safety and security of our customers, crew and aircraft is of utmost importance to us.”
The West Asia conflict, which began on February 28, is spreading beyond Iran and Israel, with Tehran striking US bases across the Gulf, including in Oman, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of aggression, while Iran maintains its attacks target only American bases in retaliation for an unprovoked assault.
Despite most airspace in the region being closed, flights have continued on alternate routes, including some to and from the UAE over the past week.
