NewsFlash Daily™
31 March 
Iran’s Mahan Air aircraft reportedly damaged in a US strike before a planned visit to Delhi to collect relief materials, escalating West Asia tensions
Tehran: In a major escalation amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, an Iranian aircraft scheduled to fly to India for humanitarian aid collection was reportedly damaged in a US airstrike, raising serious concerns over aviation safety and geopolitical stability.
The aircraft, belonging to Mahan Air, was allegedly hit during a US aerial strike near Mashhad Airport, just days before its planned arrival in New Delhi.
Plane Bound for Delhi Hit in Airstrike
According to reports, the Mahan Air flight was preparing for a humanitarian mission to India, where it was expected to collect relief supplies, including medicines.
The aircraft was scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on April 1 at around 4 AM, carrying plans to transport over 11 tonnes of humanitarian aid back to Iran.
However, the US airstrike disrupted these plans, with the aircraft reportedly sustaining damage before departure.
Tensions Rise Despite Talks
The incident comes at a time when Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to engage in talks with Iran, even as military actions continue in parallel, intensifying uncertainty in the region.
“The strike on a humanitarian-linked flight raises serious concerns about civilian aviation safety,” observers noted.
Concerns Over Civil Aviation Safety
The development has sparked alarm over the safety of civilian aircraft operating in conflict zones, especially those involved in humanitarian missions.
Mahan Air, a privately owned Iranian airline, operates flights across West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia, making it a significant regional carrier.
Backdrop of Escalating Conflict
Earlier in the conflict, Israeli strikes reportedly destroyed 16–17 aircraft at Mehrabad Airport, with claims that some were linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and used for transporting weapons.
Israel has also alleged that commercial airlines like Mahan Air and Iran Air have been used for military logistics, including transporting arms to Russia during the Ukraine war — claims that Iran has consistently denied.
Humanitarian Mission Disrupted
The affected aircraft was expected to carry critical medicines and relief supplies from India to war-affected regions, highlighting the broader humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict.
With tensions continuing to rise, the incident underscores the growing risks to civilian operations in conflict-hit zones and the urgent need for diplomatic resolution.
