Iran-Israel Conflict Adds Uncertainty to US-India Air Travel: Here’s Why You Need To Know

Published on June 26, 2025

The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict has cast a shadow of uncertainty over air travel between India and the United States. Although a ceasefire has been declared between Iran and Israel, multiple airline executives have revealed to Moneycontrol that many international carriers remain cautious about their flight schedules and frequencies, particularly on routes between the US and India. With ongoing airspace closures and shifting geopolitical tensions, air travel between the two countries is facing unprecedented disruptions.

On June 23, several Middle Eastern nations temporarily closed their airspace after an attack on the Al Udeid US military base in Doha, Qatar, by Iran. This forced airlines to quickly adjust their flight plans, canceling certain routes and rerouting others. While a ceasefire has since been announced, the impact on global air travel—especially on routes to and from India—continues to be felt, as airlines and air traffic controllers remain uncertain about the safety and feasibility of flying through certain regions.

Airline Suspension of Middle East Routes and Airspace Closures

Carriers like American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, Air Canada, and Lufthansa have all suspended or rerouted flights to the Middle East due to the conflict. These airlines have also extended their suspension of services to the region in response to heightened security concerns. Additionally, Lufthansa, Swiss, Emirates, American Airlines, Air France, and British Airways have all avoided flying over Pakistan since April 2025, following escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.

The situation has left many airlines reevaluating their routes to India, particularly those originating from North America. With multiple airspace closures—both from the Middle East and Pakistan—airlines are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain direct, cost-effective, and safe routes between the US and India. Travelers looking to fly from the US to India, or vice versa, are being urged to stay updated on flight changes, delays, and cancellations, as air routes continue to be affected by the evolving geopolitical situation.

Impact on US-India Air Travel and Airline Strategy

The disruption in US-India air travel comes on the heels of significant challenges faced by airlines in the past few months. Since April 2025, travel between the US, Canada, and India has been uncertain due to the closure of Pakistani airspace following tensions related to a terror attack. Now, with multiple Middle Eastern nations closing their airspace temporarily, carriers are reassessing their routes to avoid these regions altogether.

Industry experts suggest that many airlines are likely to reroute flights around the affected areas, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding the duration of airspace closures and the potential for additional disruptions. However, rerouting flights to avoid the Middle East or Pakistan could lead to longer travel times, additional fuel costs, and increased ticket prices, all of which could contribute to further complications for travelers.

Continued Uncertainty for Travelers

For passengers, the uncertainty caused by these geopolitical tensions is frustrating. Travel plans are being disrupted, with many individuals facing flight cancellations or lengthy delays as airlines adjust their schedules. Some passengers have reported difficulties in obtaining refunds or alternative flights, particularly if they were booked on routes passing through affected airspaces. As tensions persist, the risk of further cancellations or reroutes remains high.

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continue to monitor the situation closely, providing updates and guidance for both airlines and travelers. The DOT has issued travel advisories for flights crossing the Middle East and South Asia, urging airlines to review flight plans regularly and prioritize passenger safety. Meanwhile, the FAA has issued guidelines regarding the airspace closures and recommended alternate routes for commercial carriers operating in the region.

Strategies for Airlines to Mitigate Disruptions

Airlines are responding to the disruptions with a mix of proactive measures. Some are increasing communication with passengers to provide real-time updates on potential cancellations or delays. Others are offering flexible booking options, allowing passengers to adjust their travel dates without penalty if their flights are impacted by airspace closures.

In response to rising travel uncertainties, some airlines are also adjusting flight frequencies to accommodate changes in demand and ensure that travelers can reach their destinations safely. United Airlines, for instance, has announced the temporary suspension of some flights to the Middle East, but it has also increased flights on routes that bypass the affected areas, offering passengers more choices for travel.

American Airlines has implemented similar measures, focusing on routes that avoid airspace over Pakistan and the Middle East. The airline has also worked closely with airport authorities in India to adjust flight schedules, aiming to maintain a smooth travel experience for passengers despite the challenges posed by the regional conflicts.

Looking Ahead: Will Air Travel Between the US and India Return to Normal?

As the situation in the Middle East remains fluid, the future of US-India air travel remains uncertain. While the ceasefire between Iran and Israel has provided some temporary relief, airlines are still grappling with the fallout from the conflict and the ongoing closures of critical airspace. Geopolitical tensions in the region continue to pose risks to the global aviation industry, and it may take months before normal flight operations between India and North America are fully restored.

For now, travelers are encouraged to monitor government updates and check with airlines for the latest information on flight schedules. With the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, it’s likely that travelers will need to remain flexible in their plans and be prepared for potential delays or rerouting in the coming weeks and months.

Conclusion: Navigating the Uncertainty of Air Travel Between India and the US

The Iran-Israel conflict has underscored the fragility of air travel routes in regions affected by geopolitical tensions. The closure of airspace in the Middle East, combined with ongoing conflicts between India and Pakistan, has created a challenging environment for airlines operating between the US and India. While the ceasefire between Iran and Israel has provided temporary relief, the broader uncertainty continues to impact flight schedules and air travel frequencies. Travelers should remain aware of these disruptions and plan accordingly, keeping a close eye on updates from airlines and official government sources.

As tensions ease and airspace restrictions begin to lift, airlines are expected to gradually restore full services. However, for the time being, travelers should expect continued disruptions and remain adaptable in their travel plans.