US-Israel strike in Iran: DGCA advises airlines to avoid 11 airspaces amid Middle East conflict

NEW DELHI: Aviation watchdog DGCA on Saturday advised airlines to avoid the airspaces of 11 countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, till March 2 amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.The countries listed in the advisory are Iran, Israel, Lebanon, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar. Many airspaces are already shut following the attacks on Iran by Israel and the United States on Saturday. Indian airlines have suspended services to several destinations in the Middle East as a precautionary measure.The advisory has been issued in alignment with international safety standards and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency's Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said.The regulator has asked airlines to refrain from operating within the 11 affected airspaces at all flight levels and altitudes.Carriers have also been directed to closely monitor updated Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs) and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by the affected countries and national authorities to ensure compliance with evolving safety directives."This advisory is effective immediately and remains valid until March 02, 2026, unless reviewed or superseded by further developments," DGCA said. PTI