American air carrier United Airlines has suspended all flights between New Jersey’s Newark Airport and Mumbai, which fly through Iranian airspace. The move comes following a safety review after Iran shot down a high-altitude US surveillance drone.
The US Federal Aviation Administration also issued an emergency order on Thursday prohibiting US operators from flying in an over-water area of Tehran-controlled airspace over the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman due to heightened tensions.
United Airlines has not said how long the suspension would last.
A United spokesman said customers flying from Mumbai to Newark would be booked on alternative flights back to the United States.
"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," the spokesman said.
