With recent tensions escalating between the US and Iran, many travelers have become quite nervous about flying internationally. Ongoing conflict in the Middle East has led airlines to avoid certain airspaces, causing disruptions and raising safety concerns for passengers traveling to and from the US to India.
However, aviation authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and some airlines have adjusted their routes to maintain safety. There are still secure flight paths available between the United States and India, with planes rerouted around high-risk areas, allowing travel between the two countries to continue safely.
This conflict has continued to escalate since early 2026. As of July 2026, the United States has carried out repeated airstrikes on Iran, Iran has retaliated against Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain, and no ceasefire is currently in place.
What This Guide Will Cover:
- What is occurring between the US and Iran
- Why flights are taking different routes/what areas are being avoided
- The safest flight paths to India
- How travel insurance applies to the conflict
What Areas Are Flights Currently Avoiding From the US to India?
Flying from the US to India is still generally considered safe, but routes are currently changing quite a bit.
Key Restricted and Avoided Airspaces:
- Iran & Iraq: Avoided entirely by many carriers.
- Israel & Lebanon: Avoided due to active strikes and missile interceptions.
- UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi): Airspace closures have impacted major hubs.
- Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, & Jordan: Airspace closed or restricted. Kuwait’s airspace closed again on July 18, 2026, and restrictions are extended to at least August 4; the EU aviation safety agency’s advisory against Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and parts of the Gulf of Oman runs through at least July 29, 2026.
- Russia/Ukraine: Continued restrictions from previous conflicts.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has also strengthened its guidance as the conflict has continued, now advising Indian citizens to postpone non-essential travel to Iran and to consider exiting the country if already there.
What Are The Safest Flight Options From the US to India?
While many flights are being lengthened or cancelled, there are still travel routes that are safe for travelers from the US to India.
Routes via East Asia
Flights connecting through Japan, South Korea, or Singapore will remain far from the conflict region, going from the US around the Pacific and through East Asia with airlines like Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific being safe options.
Airlines to consider:
- United Airlines
- All Nippon Airways via Tokyo
- Korean Air via Seoul
- Singapore Airlines via Singapore
- Cathay Pacific
- Japan Airlines via Tokyo
Routes via Europe
Flights between the US and India via Europe are a safe option during the conflicts between the US and Iran, with airways like Air France, British Airways, and Lufthansa avoiding the Middle East entirely and going through Europe instead.
Airlines to consider:
- Lufthansa
- Air France / KLM
- British Airways
- Swiss
Routes via Instanbul (Turkey)
Turkish Airlines’ one-stop service through Istanbul has emerged as one of the most reliable options during this conflict: Istanbul has remained operational even as Gulf hubs have repeatedly shut down. Most itineraries connect through Istanbul (IST) to major Indian cities.
Airlines to consider:
- Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
What Are The Safest Flight Options From India Back to the US?
When flying back from India to the US, the safest flight paths are quite similar to those of the initial journey. However, there are a few extra things to consider.
Many Air India flights to the US, Canada, and Europe are still being affected by the current conflict between the US and Iran. Air India has cut back international capacity, reducing or suspending a number of routes to North America, the UK, and Europe through August 2026 due to both continued airspace restrictions and elevated fuel costs. Travelers should confirm current schedules directly with the airline before booking.
Routes via East Asia
Coming back from the US from India via East Asia is still a safe option during this conflict. Going from India, through East Asia, and over the Pacific back to the U.S. allows for flights to avoid the Middle East regions.
Airlines to consider:
- Singapore Airlines
- Japan Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- All Nippon Airways
- Korean Air
Routes via Europe
Europe is becoming one of the main spots that flights are rerouting through from India to the US to avoid conflict zones.
Airlines to consider:
- Lufthansa
- Air France
- Air India
- British Airways
- KLM
- Swiss International Air Lines
Routes via Instanbul (Turkey)
As with the outbound journey, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul remains a dependable option for returning to the US from India.
- Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
Can Travel Insurance Protect Me During The US, Israel and Iran Conflict?
Due to the recent attacks involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, many travelers are wondering whether their travel insurance will cover disruptions. With widespread flight cancellations, reroutes, and longer travel times affecting journeys around the globe, understanding your insurance coverage is now a major concern for anyone planning or currently on a trip.
Unfortunately, standard travel insurance will likely not cover cancellations if the war or act of terrorism is already known prior to travel. If warnings and announcements have already been made, then policies will likely not cover events like war.
Timing matters for Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage: this conflict became widely known public knowledge around February 28-March 1, 2026, so policies purchased on or after that date are generally not eligible for CFAR or other war-related claims tied to this conflict, since CFAR must be purchased before an event is foreseeable. Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR) coverage, where available, may offer similar flexibility for disruptions that occur mid-trip.
If you have purchased insurance prior to these announcements, be sure to check if such circumstances are covered, as policies may have exclusions and limits. While war is not always covered, acts of terrorism often are. Learn more about travel insurance coverage for war and terrorism.
How Can I Get the Support I Need?
Traveling during this time of war and conflict can create anxiety and uncertainty for travelers. If you need additional support or have questions, our Customer Success Team is more than happy to help.
- Flights between the US and India remain operational, but airlines are rerouting to avoid high-risk airspace.
- Several Middle Eastern airspaces are currently restricted or avoided, including Iran, Iraq, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon.
- The safest flight routes are through East Asia or Europe, with airlines using hubs like Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, London, Frankfurt, and Instanbul.
- Travel insurance and travel medical insurance can provide coverage, but limitations may apply depending on the policy selected.
- Conflict-related airspace closures are changing on a near-weekly basis (most recently July 18–29, 2026), and confirm current restrictions and airline schedules before finalizing travel plans.
