West Asia airspace travel alert: DGCA issues advisory for 9 airspaces; what it means for Indian travellers

Given the escalating regional tension in the Middle East, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulator, has issued a major travel advisory for the airlines. DGCA has asked the airlines to avoid flying through NINE airspaces in West Asia citing safety reasons. These destinations include:


Bahrain

Iran

Iraq

Israel

Jordan

Kuwait

Lebanon

Qatar

The United Arab Emirates (UAE)



Primary conflict zones: Iran, Israel, Lebanon, and Iraq.

Gulf & regional neighbours: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan

The regulator also mentioned that flights can be operated over Oman and Saudi Arabia airspaces subjected to certain altitude conditions, like airlines have been asked to avoid operating below FL 320 or 32,000 feet within the airspace of Saudi Arabia and Oman.

As per new agency PTI, the DGCA said "Operations to airports in the affected region, where other international carriers are currently operating, must involve robust contingency planning to cover all eventualities, as part of the safety risk assessments by the operators".

The travel advisory comes amid rising geopolitical issues in the Gulf. The ongoing conflict situation has significantly hampered global air travel worldwide.

Safety first advisory

As per official advisory from the DGCA, airlines have been instructed to avoid operating in high-risk zones due to potential threats to civil aviation. The advisory parrots the international aviation safety protocols based on evolving security conditions in the Middle East. The regulator also emphasised that passenger and crew safety remains the top priority. Carriers have been urged to monitor Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs) and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by affected countries.

Why such restrictions

The move comes after experiencing major deterioration in the regional security situation in the Middle East. Aviation authorities across the world have flagged the region as a “conflict zone” with high risks. Following the safety protocols, countries across West Asia and the Gulf have either partially or fully shut their airspace.

Full list of affected airspaces

The DGCA advisory broadly mentions Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE

Impact on travellers

The advisory has affected a number of Indian airlines. It has led to several cancellations and rerouting. It also has increased the travel times for passengers flying between India and Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Increasing fuel costs have also impacted the overall air travel experience.

Several Indian airlines including Air India and IndiGo have been impacted by the current situation.

What travellers should know

Expect longer flight durations

Be prepared for last-minute cancellations or rescheduling

Higher operational costs