New Delhi, 09 March (H.S.): Escalating West Asia tensions triggered sudden airspace restrictions, forcing IndiGo flight 6E033 from Delhi to Manchester to execute a mid-air U-turn near the Ethiopia-Eritrea border after seven hours aloft-all passengers safe upon return.
Flightradar24 tracked the Monday morning departure adopting an unusual southern detour via the Gulf of Aden and Africa (6,829 km great circle distance, ~11-hour norm). Last-minute curbs over the conflict zone compelled the reversal.
IndiGo's Response
Spokesperson: Evolving Middle East dynamics may necessitate longer routes or diversions. Flight 6E033 returned origin due to abrupt restrictions; exploring resumption options. Passenger, crew, and aircraft safety paramount.
IndiGo launched Delhi-Manchester direct flights last November, post-Mumbai route debut. Global carriers grapple similar disruptions as Iran-US-Israel clashes shutter key overflight paths.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar