Tensions between US and Iran has forced United Airlines to suspend its operations between Newark-Mumbai for indefinite period.
The airline in a statement said that this decision was due to current events in Iran and issues with flying over their airspace. “Given current events in Iran, United has conducted a thorough safety and security review of our India service through Iranian airspace and decided to suspend our service between New York/Newark and India (Mumbai) beginning this evening,” it said.
This move comes after the US Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday issued an emergency order prohibiting US operators from flying in an overwater area of Tehran-controlled airspace over the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman due to heightened tensions.
The airline said that they will onboard all passengers on alternative flights. “The US customers travelling on these flights will experience extended flight times due to a change in our normal flight path,” it further added.
The US operators said that they are in constant conversation with their passengers for any assistance that is needed in terms of rebooking. “We continue to explore all our options and remain in close contact with relevant government authorities in order to provide our customers with the most efficient travel experience under these circumstances.”