2 Indigo Flights Diverted Amid Middle East Conflict, Hundreds Of Passengers Stranded

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) [Editor’s Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid ** US-Israel-Iran war** for the latest regional developments.]

Hundreds of passengers on two IndiGo international flights faced problems as the airline had to divert the aircraft because of airspace restrictions and crew duty limitations.

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About 300 passengers on flight 6E002, operating from London’s Heathrow airport to Mumbai had to get off the aircraft after it was diverted to Cairo on Sunday following approval issues while entering Eritrean airspace, according to media reports. They were stranded for more than eight hours in Cairo.

On Monday, another IndiGo flight from New Delhi to Manchester had to return to the Indian capital after encountering airspace restrictions.

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Indian carriers have been forced to modify or avoid some routes. They have opted for longer routes via Africa on flights to Europe. This has resulted in flights from India to Europe taking over more than 10 hours. Indian airlines cannot also use the Pakistan-Afghanistan air corridor, resulting in their having to fly over Africa.

The ongoing war in the Middle East has disrupted international flight operations from India to the US and Europe and more than 100 flights have been cancelled in recent days.

Issues relating to flight duty time limitations for flight 6E002 crew resulted in their having to spend their mandatory rest period in the city. The aircraft had travelled southeast across Europe and entered Egyptian airspace before continuing towards the Red Sea. It then took a U-turn and headed towards Cairo and landed there. Some of the passengers complained about the delays at the airport, but an agency report claimed that the airline finally managed to get hotel accommodation and visas for the passengers. The flight was expected to resume on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, IndiGo flight from New Delhi to Manchester had to return to the Indian capital after encountering airspace restrictions.

“Due to the evolving situation in and around the Middle East, some of our flights may take longer routes or experience diversions,” said an airline spokesperson.“Our flight 6E033 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, the safety and security of our customers, crew, and aircraft are of utmost importance to us.” The aircraft had to make a midair turn near the Eritrean border and landed in Delhi at 2.30pm (local time).

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