Humanitarian flight to India halted after strike on Iranian aircraft

An Iranian civilian aircraft operated by Mahan Air was damaged in a reported strike attributed to the United States and Israel, preventing it from carrying out a planned humanitarian mission to India, according to Iranian authorities, cited by PTI agency.

The aircraft had been scheduled to fly to New Delhi on April 1, where it was expected to collect essential medicines for people affected by ongoing hostilities.

Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation said the plane was struck while stationed at Mashhad Airport. Following the incident, Iranian authorities called on international organisations to condemn the attack and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

The development comes after India delivered an initial shipment of medical supplies to Iran on March 18 as part of humanitarian assistance through the Iranian Red Crescent Society.

The damage to the aircraft has disrupted the next phase of the aid effort and raised concerns about the continuity of humanitarian supply operations.

By Tamilla Hasanova