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