India to Host Top EU Leaders for Republic Day as Iran Airspace Closure Disrupts International Flights
NEW DELHI – India is preparing to host top European Union leaders as chief guests for the 77th Republic Day celebrations, deepening diplomatic ties while global air travel faces disruption due to a temporary closure of Iranian airspace.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that European Council President António Luís Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will lead a three-day state visit from January 25 to 27, 2026, attending India’s Republic Day events on January 26 in New Delhi. Their visit coincides with the co-chairing of the 16th India-EU Summit, which is expected to advance strategic cooperation across trade, technology, and geopolitical issues.
The invitation signals a strengthening of the India-EU strategic partnership, with both sides working toward a long-pending free trade agreement and broader economic collaboration. During their visit, the EU leaders will meet President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for high-level talks, and an India-EU Business Forum is expected on the sidelines of summit discussions.
In a separate development affecting global travel, Iran temporarily closed its airspace, prompting airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet to reroute flights, warn passengers of delays, or cancel services where alternative routes were not feasible.
The Iranian aviation authority’s shutdown lasted several hours before the airspace was reopened, but the disruption highlighted the challenges airlines face amid regional tensions and ongoing unrest in Tehran. Flights over the affected corridor had to be diverted around Iran, leading to logistical complications for long-haul services between Asia, Europe, and North America.
Indian carriers issued travel advisories urging passengers to check flight statuses in advance, as rerouting increased travel time and added operational complexities. Several international airlines-including European operators-are also continuing to avoid the region due to safety concerns.
As India looks forward to its Republic Day celebrations with prominent European guests, aviation authorities remain vigilant over airspace stability and flight safety amid geopolitical volatility.
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