India, June 24 -- Air India announced that it would temporarily stop operating flights to Europe, East of North America, and Canada after the Middle East and UAE shut down their airspace on Monday night.

"Amid the developing situation in the Middle East, Air India has ceased all operations to the region as well as to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe with immediate effect, until further notice," the airline said in a statement.

"Our India-bound flights from North America are diverting back to their respective origins and others are being diverted back to India or re-routed away from the closed airspaces. We request the understanding of all passengers who may be affected by this disruption that's beyond an airline's con...