On January 15, 2026, Air India announced that flights crossing Iranian airspace will take alternate routes due to the closure of Iran's skies. This change is caused by ongoing unrest and anti-government protests over Iran's economic crisis. "Due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, Air India flights overflying the region are now using an alternative routing, which may lead to delays," the airline said. Protests began in early January after traders struck over hyperinflation and currency fall. The unrest has turned violent, with around 2,000 deaths reported so far, according to an Iranian official on January 13. Air India also stated that flights which cannot be rerouted are being canceled. Passengers are urged to check their flight status on Air India's website. On January 14, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi about the unrest and rising tensions in West Asia. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs strongly advised citizens to avoid traveling to Iran "until further notice." Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Tehran asked Indian nationals to leave Iran by any possible means and urged families in India to register their relatives on its helpline page.