A sudden closure of Iranian airspace amid an emerging security situation disrupted international flight operations on Thursday, forcing Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet to reroute or cancel services. An Air India A350 aircraft suffered major engine damage at Delhi airport after ingesting a cargo container during taxiing, following a mid-air turnback linked to the airspace shutdown.The airspace shutdown, which lasted for nearly five hours, had an immediate operational impact on airlines operating long-haul and West Asia-bound routes including the US, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, Europe, and Turkey. Carriers issued travel advisories as multiple international flights were delayed, diverted or cancelled due to the unavailability of Iranian airspace.Against this backdrop of regional instability, Air India’s A350 aircraft, registration VT-JRB, operating flight AI101 from Delhi to New York (JFK) on Thursday, was forced to return to the national capital after entering an alternative routing was ruled out. The aircraft landed safely on Runway 28 at Delhi. However, during taxiing to the apron, a serious ground incident occurred at the taxiway N/N4 junction.DGCA officials said the aircraft’s No 2 engine ingested a cargo container, causing substantial damage. “The incident occurred at 05:25 IST, when visibility conditions were described as marginal,” said the officials. Preliminary findings show that a BWFS tug transporting containers to the Baggage Make-up Area at Terminal 3 crossed the intersection through the vehicular lane. “During crossing, one of the container toppled onto the taxy way intersection. This container got ingested in No 2 engine of Air India A350 aircraft. After clearing metal pieces, the aircraft was parked on stand 244. Further investigation is being carried out by DGCA,” the official said.Air India, in its advisory, said the developments in Iran had directly affected its international operations. “Due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, Air India flights overflying the region are now using an alternative routing, which may lead to delays. Some Air India flights where currently rerouting is not possible were cancelled,” the airline said.IndiGo and SpiceJet also acknowledged disruptions to its international network. “Some of our international flights are impacted. Our teams are working diligently to assess the situation and support affected customers by offering the best possible alternatives. This development is beyond our control, and we regret the disruption it may have caused to your travel plans,” the IndiGo said.