DGCA restricts flights over West Asia, cites aviation risks
image for illustrative purpose
New Delhi: India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has directed airlines to avoid nine airspaces in West Asia amid rising tensions linked to the ongoing US–Israel–Iran conflict, citing serious safety risks to civil aviation.
Airlines have been asked to refrain from operating in the airspace of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates at all flight levels and altitudes. However, limited operations over Oman and Saudi Arabia may be permitted, subject to specific conditions.
The DGCA has also instructed carriers not to operate below 32,000 feet (FL320) in designated areas of Saudi Arabia and Oman, highlighting increased risk in lower airspace. The advisory follows recent military strikes by the United States and Israel on targets in Iran, and Tehran’s subsequent retaliatory measures, which the regulator said have created a “high-risk environment” for flight operations.
Airlines have been asked to conduct thorough safety risk assessments and implement robust contingency plans, including rerouting and diversions, for any operations in or near the affected region. The DGCA stressed that any decision to continue operations would rest with airlines based on their internal risk evaluations. The directive came into immediate effect and will remain valid until March 28, unless revised earlier.
