London-bound Air India flight returns to Mumbai after three hours in air
India: An Air India flight (AIC129) bound for London from Mumbai returned to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport after approximately three hours in the air on Friday, June 13, 2025.
According to Air India, the flight's return was a precautionary measure due to the "emerging situation in Iran" and the subsequent closure of Iranian airspace. This action was taken to ensure the safety of passengers amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
This incident is part of a broader series of diversions and returns for multiple Air India international flights affected by the airspace restrictions over Iran. Air India has stated they regret the inconvenience caused to passengers and are working to minimize disruptions, including providing accommodation, refunds on cancellations, or complimentary rescheduling options.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Times of Oman
Several Air India flights cancelled due to maintenance, bad weather, and airspace restrictions
New Delhi: Air India has cancelled several international and domestic flights on Friday due to increased aircraft checks, bad weather, and airspace restrictions. Affected flights include services between Dubai, Chennai, Delhi, Melbourne, Pune, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. As per the statement from Air India, "Air India's international flights AI906 from Dubai to Chennai; AI308 from Delhi to Melbourne; AI309 from Melbourne to Delhi; AI2204 from Dubai to Hyderabad and domestic flights AI874 from Pune to Delhi; AI456 from Ahmedabad to Delhi; AI-2872 from Hyderabad to Mumbai and AI571 from Chennai to Mumbai have been cancelled due to enhanced maintenance and operational reasons." The airline has offered full refunds or free rescheduling and is helping passengers with alternate travel plans. "We regret the inconvenience caused to passengers. Our colleagues on ground are making alternative arrangements for them to fly to their respective destinations at the earliest. Full refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling has been offered to passengers," the statement reads. The airline has advised passengers to check their flight status on its website or call the customer care numbers for updates. "Due to the continuing enhanced checks on our aircraft, airspace restrictions and inclement weather, we anticipate some disruptions which will be duly communicated to passengers. Passengers are requested to check the status of their flights here or call our customer centre on 011 69329333, 011 69329999 or visit our website the statement further reads. Earlier on Thursday, Air India said it will reduce flights on various international routes per week and temporarily suspend operations on three routes from June 21 to July 15, 2025. "Further to the press statement released yesterday, 18 June 2025, which announced a temporary reduction in services operated by Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft, we wish to provide details on the flights affected. These reductions will be effective from 21 June 2025, and last until at least 15 July 2025," the airline said in a post on X. "The reductions arise from the decision to voluntarily undertake enhanced pre-flight safety checks, as well as accommodate additional flight durations arising from airspace closures in the Middle East. The objective is to restore schedule stability and minimise last-minute inconvenience to passengers," it said.
Times of Oman
14-06-2025
- Times of Oman
Demand for 'miracle' 11A seat in the flights
MUSCAT: In the wake of the devastating Air India crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday that claimed 271 lives — 241 on board and 30 in a medical hostel — stories of one man's improbable survival have captured global attention. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British citizen of Indian origin, who was seated in 11A on Air India Flight AI171, emerged as the sole survivor of the disaster. Now, in a wave of emotional response, travellers are increasingly choosing seat 11A when booking flights — not because it offers more legroom or a better view, but because it has come to represent something far more powerful: hope. Rohit Kumar, a Muscat-based marketing professional, is one of them. He is scheduled to fly from Muscat to Kolkata on June 16 and has already locked in his seat of choice. Speaking to Times of Oman, Kumar said: 'I paid extra for seat 11A for my upcoming trip to my hometown. After watching the miracle in the Air India crash, I got a feeling that whenever I travel, I will book 11A. I am not sure if there is any science behind it, but what I saw on TV after that horror crash — I think I've made up my mind.' The sole survivor in the Ahmedabad crash, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh was seated in seat 11A, near an emergency exit, and miraculously escaped through the emergency door shortly after the aircraft crashed into a medical hostel soon after takeoff. Shocked and injured, Ramesh, who is now recovering in a hospital was traveling with his brother Ajay (now declared dead), was able to unbuckle himself, push through the opening, and crawl away to safety. He later recounted witnessing bodies around him as he fled the wreckage. Vimla, a homemaker based in Muscat, is planning her annual visit to India in July. She too has made a special request to her husband to secure seat 11A. ENDS In her comments to Times of Oman, she said: 'I've told my husband to ask the travel agent to book 11A. I know these things don't always make sense logically, but what we saw on TV — the way that one passenger emerged alive — gives us hope that miracles do happen.' She added: 'Even though seat layouts change from flight to flight, I just want to book 11A. It symbolises something positive in an otherwise dark event.' Surge in seat requests Airline staff and travel agents have noted a modest but noticeable increase in passengers specifically requesting 11A, a seat that was previously seen as just another window option in the forward economy cabin. On travel forums and social media, screenshots of boarding passes marked '11A' are being shared with captions like 'miracle seat' or 'chosen one.' For some, it's a show of faith; for others, its part tribute, and part talisman. Despite the wave of emotional attachment to 11A, aviation experts and safety professionals are cautioning against placing too much belief in the idea of a 'safe seat.' 'There is no hard and fast rule that any particular seat — including 11A — offers greater safety in the event of a crash,' said a retired commercial pilot on a social media platform. Indeed, historical crash data shows no consistent pattern in terms of seat-based survivability. While some studies suggest rear seats may offer slightly higher survival rates in certain crash scenarios, experts stress that no conclusions should be generalised. Behavioural psychologists believe the fixation on seat 11A stems from a human tendency to seek control and meaning in the face of disaster. 'People want something to hold on to — a symbol, a ritual, a belief — especially when logic and reason can't explain how one person survived and so many others didn't,' said Dr. Priti, a psychologist based in New Delhi, India 'For some, choosing 11A is not about superstition; it's about emotional comfort,' she added.
Times of Oman
14-06-2025
- Times of Oman
Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Omani citizens to exercise caution in conflict zones
Muscat: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Omani citizens residing in or planning to travel to regions experiencing tension or armed conflict to exercise utmost caution and prioritise their safety amid escalating security developments in the region. In a statement issued on Friday, the ministry advised citizens currently in such areas to leave as soon as conditions permit. It also stressed the importance of registering contact details with the nearest Omani embassy, through the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs mobile application, or by contacting the Operations Office at +968 24634397. The Ministry's mobile app can be downloaded via:
