An IndiGo flight operating from London to Mumbai that could not complete its journey on March 8 due to disruptions linked to the escalating tensions in the Middle East will now operate on March 10 after mandatory crew rest.
Sources familiar with the matter said arrangements are being made for passengers affected by the disruption, including hotel accommodation and visas to assist travellers during the delay.
The development comes as several international flights have been impacted by evolving airspace restrictions in parts of the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Earlier, an IndiGo aircraft bound for Manchester from New Delhi had to return to its origin after spending nearly seven hours in the air due to sudden airspace restrictions in the region.
According to the airline, flight 6E033, which was operating between Delhi and Manchester, turned back because of last-minute airspace restrictions linked to the evolving situation in West Asia.
The airline said some of its flights may take longer routes or face diversions as the situation continues to change, adding that the safety and security of passengers, crew and aircraft remain its top priority.
Flight tracking platform Flightradar24 had earlier flagged the incident on social media, sharing tracking data that showed the aircraft reversing course and heading back towards India. The platform also reported that the aircraft made a U-turn near the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea before returning to Delhi.
The disruption also weighed on investor sentiment. Shares of InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, ended around 4 per cent lower at Rs 4,236 on the Bombay Stock Exchange on Monday after falling as much as 8.37 per cent during the session.
Analysts said aviation stocks are facing pressure as crude oil prices have surged amid the conflict, briefly moving close to $110 per barrel after shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was disrupted.
Amid the volatility, Securities and Exchange Board of India Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey urged investors to remain calm and avoid panic-driven decisions.
Speaking in Mumbai on Monday, Pandey said geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict involving Iran, are creating volatility in global financial markets and affecting investor sentiment.
He noted that disruptions to shipping routes and key maritime corridors are affecting global trade flows and increasing uncertainty in financial markets.
"Rising crude oil prices and supply chain disruptions have also added to inflation concerns worldwide," he said, adding that despite global challenges, India's domestic economic fundamentals remain strong.
Pandey advised investors not to react emotionally to short-term market movements and emphasised the importance of maintaining calm during periods of global uncertainty.
Reflecting on the development of India's capital markets, he also highlighted the 30-year journey of the NIFTY 50 index, describing it as a key benchmark reflecting the growth of India's economy and corporate sector.
He added that India's market ecosystem has strengthened significantly over time, with institutions such as stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories evolving to support the expanding financial system.
Pandey also said the market regulator has formed an expert group to develop a technology roadmap for the securities market and strengthen digital infrastructure. He noted that advanced tools such as the "Sudarshan" platform and the AI-powered "SEBI Radar" system are already being used for real-time market surveillance and to identify misleading advertisements.
(With inputs from IANS)
