Why IndiGo Axed Four Central Asia Routes Over Iranian Airspace Safety Concerns.

Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo has temporarily suspended services to four key international destinations in Central Asia and the Caucasus.

Flights to and from Tbilisi (Georgia), Almaty (Kazakhstan), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), and Baku (Azerbaijan) were cancelled through January 28, 2026. The airline cited the prevailing security situation and rising geopolitical tensions around Iran as the reason for the proactive schedule changes.

Operational Impact of Airspace Avoidance

IndiGo's decision stems from the need to avoid Iranian airspace. This corridor is the most direct route for flights from India to these Central Asian cities.

Alternative flight paths significantly increase the distance and required fuel burn. The airline operates its Airbus A320neo aircraft on these routes. The A320neo, while fuel-efficient, does not possess the necessary range or fuel holding capacity for the substantially longer detours.

Consequently, IndiGo determined that the longer alternative routes were not viable for continued operation, leading to cancellations. The airline also announced the implementation of refuelling halts on several other flights to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region.

Broader Industry Safety Measures

This operational change follows a wider trend among international carriers to reassess flight paths over the Middle East. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin on January 16.

The EASA advisory formally recommended that operators avoid Iranian airspace at all altitudes. It warned of a "high risk to civil flights" due to the potential for US military action. This action has placed Iranian air defence forces on a heightened state of alert.

The advisory specifically cited an increased likelihood of misidentification within Iranian airspace. The presence of surface-to-air missile systems was also noted as a significant risk.

India's flag carrier, Air India, has also adjusted its transcontinental operations. The airline had already stopped overflying Iran on its Europe-bound routes in compliance with the EASA advisory.

Air India is now routing its European flights over Iraqi airspace instead. The carrier is also reviewing its transcontinental operations to and from North America as the situation evolves.

• The safety advisory from EASA on January 16 spurred route changes for Indian carriers.
• IndiGo's A320neo fleet range limitations made rerouting non-viable for Central Asia routes.
• Air India has rerouted Europe-bound flights to avoid Iranian airspace, opting for Iraqi airspace.
• Passengers are advised to check flight status for potential delays or cancellations due to fuel stops and longer flight times.

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