IndiGo Delhi–Manchester flight turns back after 7 hours amid West Asia airspace restrictions

A Delhi–Manchester flight operated by IndiGo made an unexpected mid-air U-turn near the Ethiopia border on Monday and returned to the national capital after flying for several hours, officials said.

Flight 6E33 had departed from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi and was heading to Manchester in the United Kingdom when the aircraft abruptly turned around during the journey. Flight tracking data showed that the aircraft had travelled for nearly seven hours before reversing its course and heading back towards India.

The aircraft reportedly reached airspace close to the border of Ethiopia before making the sudden diversion. It later re-entered Indian airspace and continued its return journey to Delhi.

Airline officials said the decision to turn the aircraft back was taken due to last-minute airspace restrictions linked to the evolving situation in parts of West Asia. The airline said some flights may take longer routes or face diversions due to the changing regional conditions.

The Delhi–Manchester route usually takes around 11 hours depending on routing and weather conditions. The airline said it is coordinating with relevant authorities to assess the situation and explore the possibility of resuming the journey while ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.